Name: Greek Chicken Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless); 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin); 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh); 2 tbsp greek seasoning; 2 cloves garlic (pressed)

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There’s something magical about marinating chicken. The moment I think of a Greek Chicken Marinade, I am transported to sun-drenched shores, where flavors burst with zest and vibrancy. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during gatherings when I want to impress my friends and family without spending hours slaving away. I remember the first time I made this marinade; I was nervous but excited. As soon as I poured the mixture over the chicken, the aroma of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic filled the air, creating an irresistible anticipation. The best part? It requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
50 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Whisk

The Magic of This Greek Chicken Marinade

Flavor Explosion

The combination of ingredients in the Greek Chicken Marinade is simply divine. The olive oil not only adds richness but also helps to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Paired with the acidity of fresh lemon juice, it balances the flavors beautifully, creating a taste bud sensation.

Versatile and Easy

This marinade is incredibly versatile! Whether you grill, bake, or even sauté the chicken, it works perfectly every time. Plus, it’s suitable for any cut of chicken, making it a go-to recipe when I need something quick and delicious.

Healthy Goodness

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is its healthiness. With olive oil as the base, it’s rich in monounsaturated fats. It’s also gluten-free and low-carb, fitting perfectly into many dietary plans without sacrificing flavor.

Meal Prepping Made Simple

Marinating chicken means I can prep it in advance. Just a few hours in the marinade makes all the difference. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests with minimal stress. I often prepare this on Sunday evening, and it’s ready to go for dinner during the week.

Kid-Friendly Flavor

If you have picky eaters, this Greek Chicken Marinade is a winner! The flavors are bold yet familiar, making it appealing to both kids and adults. My children love it, and it often becomes a favorite when paired with their favorite sides.

Greek Chicken Marinade Shopping List

Understanding the philosophy behind the ingredients in your dish is essential. The Greek Chicken Marinade showcases a wonderful blend of flavors that come together in harmony. The key players, olive oil, lemon juice, and greek seasoning, not only enhance the chicken but also offer health benefits while keeping the dish light and fresh.

2 lbs chicken breast, boneless, skinless: This lean protein is the star of the show, absorbing all the marinated goodness.
1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh: Provides acidity, brightening the dish and enhancing flavors.

2 tbsp greek seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that quintessential Mediterranean flavor profile.
2 cloves garlic, pressed: Adds a robust aroma and enhances the overall taste.

How to Prepare Greek Chicken Marinade

Preparing the Greek Chicken Marinade is as simple as it gets! Follow these steps to create a delightful dish. You’ll find that combining these ingredients leads to a mouthwatering experience.

Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, greek seasoning, and garlic. This mixture will form the base of your marinade, and you should aim for a smooth consistency.
Once mixed, take your chicken breast and poke it all over with a fork. This allows the marinade to penetrate better, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Next, place the chicken in a dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate it. For optimal flavor, let it marinate for up to four hours, but a minimum of thirty minutes is essential.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat and brush it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for a perfect sear on your chicken.
Carefully place the marinated chicken onto the grill. Cook for about four to six minutes on each side. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill. Allow it to rest for about five minutes. This resting period is important as it lets the juices redistribute within the chicken, making it tender and juicy.

Slice the chicken and serve it warm. Prepare to enjoy the burst of flavors that the Greek Chicken Marinade offers!

Things Worth Knowing

Marinade Time: The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken absorbs, but even a quick 30 minutes can enhance the taste.
Cooking Temperature: Always ensure your grill is properly heated before adding chicken; this helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.

Resting Period: Never skip the resting time! It’s essential for juicy chicken.
Using Different Cuts: Feel free to experiment with different cuts of chicken, but be mindful of varying cooking times.

Change It Up

There are countless ways to elevate your Greek Chicken Marinade experience. Here are some tips to keep things exciting:

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for three to four days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing: This marinade is perfect with a fresh Greek salad, rice, or pita bread for a complete meal.

Flavor Variations: Consider adding herbs like oregano or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Try serving the chicken with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing touch.

Accompaniments for Greek Chicken Marinade

When it comes to serving the Greek Chicken Marinade, you have endless possibilities:

Greek Salad: A vibrant salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olives pairs beautifully.
Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf complements the flavors of the chicken.
Grilled Vegetables: Add some charred vegetables for a colorful plate.

Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita for a delightful dipping experience.
Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based sauce adds freshness and creaminess to the dish.
Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or casual gatherings.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in airtight containers and enjoy them in wraps or salads.

FAQ

Yes, you can certainly use a different type of meat! While the Greek Chicken Marinade is designed for chicken, it can also work wonders with pork or even firm fish like salmon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats have different cooking requirements. Marinating time may also vary, so keep an eye on the meat to ensure maximum flavor absorption without overpowering it.

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. However, for the best results, try to let it sit in the marinade for up to 4 hours. If you have extra time, marinating overnight in the refrigerator can yield even more delicious results. Just remember to keep it covered and check it periodically to ensure it’s safe.

Absolutely! You can prepare the Greek Chicken Marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. This makes meal prep super convenient, especially for busy weeknights. Just give it a good whisk before using, as the ingredients may settle. If you’re planning to use it with chicken, I suggest marinating the chicken right before cooking for maximum flavor.

For safe consumption, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that any harmful bacteria are eliminated. I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the temperature, especially for thicker cuts. Once done, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing for the juiciest results!

Conclusion

In summary, the Greek Chicken Marinade is a delightful way to elevate your chicken dishes. With its fresh flavors and simple prep, it makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. I encourage you to try it the next time you’re in the mood for something tasty and satisfying. You won’t regret it!

Greek Chicken Marinade

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken Marinade. It's an easy weeknight dinner that combines olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic to create a mouthwatering dish. Perfect for grilling or baking, this marinade will have you craving more!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Whisk

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless
1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
2 tbsp greek seasoning
2 cloves garlic pressed

Instructions

To make marinade, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, greek seasoning, and garlic.
Poke chicken all over with a fork. Place the chicken in a dish or zip top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken to cover completely.
Refrigerate for up to 4 hours, with a minimum of 30 minutes.

Heat the grill to medium heat and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Place chicken on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Cook to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Once done, remove chicken from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Then serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip 1: You can use any cut of chicken in this recipe, however the cooking time will change depending on the cut that you use.
Tip 2: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to a month.
Tip 3: Gluten free
Tip 4: Low carb
Tip 5: Friendly for low carb and keto diets