Flavorful Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe for Grilling

The aroma of garlic, lemon, and herbs wafts through the air as you contemplate dinner. The thought of indulging in a juicy chicken dish marinated in a zesty blend of Mediterranean flavors makes your taste buds tingle with anticipation.

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Picture this: A warm summer evening, surrounded by friends and family, all eagerly awaiting that first bite of grilled delight. The laughter and chatter fill the air as you unveil your secret weapon—the ultimate Greek chicken marinade recipe. It’s not just food; it’s a ticket to flavor town!

I remember the first time I whipped up this marinade for my family barbecue—everyone was raving about how tender and flavorful the chicken was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 breasts depending on your crowd; they’re perfect for marinating.
• Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves; they add an aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
• Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal; it brightens flavors and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
• Oregano: Dried or fresh works; it’s a staple in Mediterranean cooking and adds depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp! They balance flavors perfectly.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that dances on your taste buds.
• Red Wine Vinegar: It brings acidity that complements the rich flavors of the marinade.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepping this Greek chicken marinade is like hosting a culinary party—all flavors welcome!

Gather Your Ingredients: Assemble all ingredients in one place; it simplifies the process and gets you in the cooking mood.

Create Your Marinade Base: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and red wine vinegar until smooth.

Add Chicken to Marinade: Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them making sure they are well-coated.

Marinate Like a Pro: Seal up that bag or cover your bowl tightly. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—an hour is even better if you can wait!

Grill Time!: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Take the chicken out of the marinade (discard leftover marinade) and grill each breast for around 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Savor Every Bite!: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh veggies or tzatziki sauce for an extraordinary experience.

This delightful journey from prep to plate promises a juicy explosion of Mediterranean flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds! So fire up that grill and let’s make some magic happen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least one hour to absorb all those delightful flavors. Sear the chicken in a hot pan before finishing it in the oven to lock in moisture and create that tantalizing golden crust.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs like oregano for rosemary or even add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing. You can also experiment with different protein sources, such as tofu or shrimp, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Greek chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful.

The first time I made this Greek chicken marinade, my friends thought I’d become a culinary magician. The compliments kept flowing, and I realized that good food is truly the best compliment you can receive.

FAQ

What is the best way to marinate chicken?

Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for optimal flavor absorption and food safety.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with fish, pork, or even vegetables.

How long should I cook the marinated chicken?

Cook marinated chicken at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

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• Author: tastyfoodonly
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Elevate your meals with this vibrant Greek chicken marinade, packed with zesty flavors that promise a mouthwatering experience whether grilled or baked.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and red wine vinegar until well combined.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them.
3. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard leftover marinade.
5. Grill each breast for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with veggies or tzatziki sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 100mg