Greek Chicken Recipe

This simple chicken marinade infuses the classic Greek flavors of lemon, garlic and oregano plus marinating chicken in yogurt for a more tender bite.

It may be a bold statement to make, but unlike fake politicians, sorcerers, and that guy in Nigeria who says he’ll double your money if you’ll just wire it to him, I’m standing behind my claim that this super easy, extremely delicious Greek Chicken marinade very well could be:

That’s what make this little diddy of a recipe the best lemony, best garlicky, best Greek-y oregano-ish chicken marinade for chicken in yogurt to create the yummiest tender bite you just might ever eat.

Technically, this Greek chicken marinade is only 5 ingredients, if you don’t count the salt and pepper.

Flavoring and tenderizing chicken in a marinade is a no-brainer, but there are a few tricks to doing it right.

This chicken marinade works equally well with skin-on or skinless chicken. Trim the chicken breasts of any extra tendrills or pieces of fat and pat dry before adding to the marinade.

Mix the marinade ingredients together, then immerse the chicken in a shallow bowl with the marinade, or in a zippered freezer bag.

This chicken doesn’t take long at all to marinade! The chicken is adequately flavored in just 15 minutes. Or, let it soak in all that Greek flavor for up to three hours. I don’t marinate the chicken longer than the 3 hour mark so the chicken doesn’t becoming mealy.

Make this for grilled chicken breasts, or use half of this marinade for the breasts and reserve the other half for Greek chicken kebab skewers if that fits your fancy too. Doubling up duty as a dressing for salads too, this greek marinade is my favorite go-to recipe for anything and everything chicken.

Greek Chicken Marinade

This Greek Chicken Marinade is an easy and delicious marinade for pan fried, baked or grilled chicken. You probably have everything on hand already – perfect for no-fuss, healthy meals!

Prep: 5min

Total: 50min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 261 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 17 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 424 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, servingSize 1 serving, Trans Fat 1 g, unSaturated Fat 13 g

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or more to taste)
• 1 lemon (juice only)
• 1 teaspoon honey (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound chicken parts (I used boneless, skinless chicken breast (see notes))

Instruction:

1. Make marinade: Whisk together all marinade ingredients in medium measuring jug.
2. Prep chicken: Place chicken in a large ziploc bag (4-6 quart). Leave bag open, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to carefully pound chicken to ½ inch – ¾ inch thickness. (Note: If you’re not using a zip-top bag for marinating, place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap; see notes for other container choices for marinating.)
3. Marinate chicken: Pour marinade over chicken. Remove most air from bag, then zip closed. Gently massage marinade into chicken for 30-60 seconds.
4. Rest: Place bag in fridge for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 days.
5. Cook: Once ready, remove bag with chicken from refrigerator and let sit on counter for 20 minutes. Remove chicken from bag right before cooking, discarding both the bag and any leftover marinade.Cook chicken on the grill, in the oven or on the stove until internal temperature registers 165°F at the thickest part (see notes for detailed instructions).

THE BEST Greek Chicken Marinade

This garlic, lemon, and oregano Greek marinade can be used for chicken that’s grilled, baked or pan-fried and is great any which way you choose.

Prep: 5min

Total: 50min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 307 kcal, Carbohydrate 14 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 19 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 109 mg, Sodium 692 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 3 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless (, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts))
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 lemons
• 4-5 cloves garlic (, pressed or minced)
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instruction:

1. Place the chicken pieces in a freezer bag or a bowl and set aside.
2. Add the Greek yogurt and olive oil to a medium size bowl. Zest one of the lemons and add to the bowl. Juice that lemon into the bowl with the zest. Slice the other three lemons and set aside. Add the minced garlic, oregano, kosher salt and black pepper to the lemon juice and zest and stir. Pour half of the marinade into the freezer bag or the bowl with the chicken pieces and reserve the other half of the marinade for basting. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or up to 3 hours in the refrigerator.
3. When ready to grill, prepare the grill by lightly oiling the grate with vegetable oil or cooking spray and set to medium high heat.
4. Grill the chicken, basting with the reserved marinade and turning often so each side browns and has light grill marks, until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear. During the last 5 minutes of cooking add the 3 sliced lemons to the grill, turning once or twice. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serve with the grilled lemons. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki

Recipe video above. The marinade for the chicken is so sensational that I use it even when I’m not making Gyros! This is fantastic for entertaining because you can just lay it all out for guests to help themselves. The smell when the chicken is cooking is incredible – you can really smell the oregano and garlic!

Prep: 20min

Total: 26min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 641.78 kcal, Carbohydrate 47.64 g, Protein 64.69 g, Fat 20.26 g, Saturated Fat 4.58 g, Cholesterol 242.16 mg, Sodium 1297.31 mg, Fiber 5.09 g, Sugar 11.21 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets (, boneless skinless)
• 3 large garlic cloves (, minced (~ 3 tsp))
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar ((or red wine or apple cider vinegar))
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (, preferably full fat)
• 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper
• 2 cucumbers ((to make about 1/2 – 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice))
• 1 1/4 cups Greek yoghurt (, preferably full fat)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ((or more if you want richer))
• 1 garlic clove (, minced)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper
• 3 tomatoes (, desseeded and diced)
• 3 cucumbers (, diced)
• 1/2 red spanish onion (, peeled and finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves ((optional))
• Salt and pepper
• 4 to 6 pita breads or flat breads

Instruction:

1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Place the Marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag and massage to mix. Add the chicken into the ziplock bag and massage to cover all the chicken in the Marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally 12 hours and no longer than 24 hours.’, ‘name’: ‘Place the Marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag and massage to mix. Add the chicken into the ziplock bag and massage to cover all the chicken in the Marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally 12 hours and no longer than 24 hours.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-0-0’}
2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Make the Tzatziki’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape the watery seeds out. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater. Then wrap in paper towels or a tea towel and squeeze to remove excess liquid.’, ‘name’: ‘Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape the watery seeds out. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater. Then wrap in paper towels or a tea towel and squeeze to remove excess liquid.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Place cucumber in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients then mix to combine. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for the flavours to meld.’, ‘name’: ‘Place cucumber in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients then mix to combine. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for the flavours to meld.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-1-1’}]}
3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Salad’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Combine ingredients in a bowl.’, ‘name’: ‘Combine ingredients in a bowl.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-2-0’}]}
4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Cook Chicken’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Brush the outdoor grill with oil, then preheat on medium high. Or heat 1 tbsp of oil in a fry pan over medium high heat.’, ‘name’: ‘Brush the outdoor grill with oil, then preheat on medium high. Or heat 1 tbsp of oil in a fry pan over medium high heat.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-3-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove chicken from Marinade. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (cooking time depends on size of chicken).’, ‘name’: ‘Remove chicken from Marinade. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (cooking time depends on size of chicken).’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-3-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove the chicken from the grill / fry pan onto a plate. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.’, ‘name’: ‘Remove the chicken from the grill / fry pan onto a plate. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-3-2’}]}
5. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Assemble Gyros’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘If your chicken thighs are large, you may need to cut them. Mine were small.’, ‘name’: ‘If your chicken thighs are large, you may need to cut them. Mine were small.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-4-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Get a pita bread or flatbread (preferably warmed) and place it on a piece of parchment (baking) paper (or you could use foil). Place some Salad down the middle of the bread, then top with chicken and Tzatziki.’, ‘name’: ‘Get a pita bread or flatbread (preferably warmed) and place it on a piece of parchment (baking) paper (or you could use foil). Place some Salad down the middle of the bread, then top with chicken and Tzatziki.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-4-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Roll the wrap up, enclosing it with the parchment paper. Twist the end with the excess parchment paper to secure it and cut if desired.’, ‘name’: ‘Roll the wrap up, enclosing it with the parchment paper. Twist the end with the excess parchment paper to secure it and cut if desired.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-4-2’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘I prefer to lay everything out on a table and let everyone help themselves.’, ‘name’: ‘I prefer to lay everything out on a table and let everyone help themselves.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/#wprm-recipe-21826-step-4-3’}]}

Greek Chicken

Recipe video above. Yogurt is a magical marinade! This chicken is golden on the outside, beautifully tenderised on the inside and infused with terrific garlic-oregano flavours. Serve this with a Greek Salad and flatbread – or see in post for a full Greek Feast menu! Marinade time: Overnight, min 3 hrs.

Prep: 8min

Total: 58min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 442 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Protein 41 g, Fat 27 g, Saturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 195 mg, Sodium 818 mg, Sugar 2 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb drumsticks and chicken thighs (, bone in skin on (Note 1))
• 6 garlic cloves (, minced (~ 2 tbsp))
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar ((or red wine or apple cider vinegar))
• 1/2 cup / 125 ml lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt ((I use Farmers Union))
• 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Plain Greek yogurt or Tzatziki
• Fresh oregano leaves ((optional))

Instruction:

1. Mix Marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Add chicken and coat well. Marinade for 24 hours (3 hours minimum).
3. Preheat oven to 180C.350F.
4. Line a tray with foil (trust me), place rack on tray (optional).
5. Place chicken on rack (reserve marinade), skin side up. Bake 30 minutes,
6. Remove from oven. Brush with marinade – do not flip.
7. Return to oven for 20 minutes or until golden and a bit crispy. Give it a spray of olive oil just before it’s done if you want an extra crispy, shiny coat.
8. Rest for a few minutes before serving. Juicy and tasty enough to serve plain but extra great with tzatziki or even some plain yogurt.

How to Make the Best Greek Chicken

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