Greek Marinated Chicken

Let’s be honest—weeknight dinners can feel like an Olympic sport. Between the after-school chaos, work emails that won’t quit, and a kitchen that magically cleans itself (spoiler alert: it doesn’t), the last thing anyone wants is a complicated dinner. That’s where Greek Marinated Chicken swoops in to save the day.

This flavor-packed dish is everything: easy, fast, and loaded with sunshiney Greek vibes. Plus, it’s versatile enough for picky eaters and fancy enough to impress your in-laws. Win-win, right?

Why You’ll Love This Greek Marinated Chicken

Imagine juicy, tender chicken bursting with lemon, garlic, and those signature Mediterranean herbs. That’s this dish in a nutshell. Thanks to a quick Greek yogurt marinade (yes, yogurt!), this recipe infuses every bite with flavor and keeps your chicken from drying out.

Whether you’re grilling for a crowd, baking for the fam, or sneaking in a solo dinner with your favorite Bravo show in the background, this chicken checks all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this chicken recipe so magical:

• Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and stops the chicken from sticking.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and tenderness thanks to good bacteria and lactic acid. (Pro tip: plain yogurt or even sour cream can sub in!)
• Lemons: Juice and zest—because we don’t do lemon flavor halfway.
• Garlic: Fresh is fab, but garlic powder works in a pinch. I’m a garlic girl, so more is more.
• Seasonings: Dried oregano, coriander, onion powder, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. These cozy spices bring that signature Greek warmth.
• Chicken Breasts: Or thighs, drumsticks—use what you love! Just remember: bone-in needs more cooking time.

How to Make Greek Marinated Chicken

Let’s break it down into a few easy steps. No culinary degree required, promise.

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, mix together:

• Olive oil
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice + zest
• Garlic (minced or powdered)
• Dried oregano, coriander, onion powder, salt, and pepper

If you want to baste your chicken later, scoop out about ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside in a separate bowl before adding the raw meat.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken breasts and toss until everything’s beautifully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or leave it overnight if you’re thinking ahead (you superstar, you).
Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before cooking. That way, it cooks evenly.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Here’s my favorite method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Lightly oil a grill pan and heat it on the stovetop over medium-high.
• Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on one side.
• Flip it, then transfer the whole pan to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until it hits 165°F inside.

Toss the used marinade—we don’t want any raw chicken drama.

Step 4: Let It Rest

I know, I know—you’re hungry. But give your chicken 5 minutes to rest. This seals in those glorious juices.

Bonus: 3 Other Ways to Cook It

You’ve got options, friend. Here’s how to make Greek marinated chicken your way:

• Bake It: Lay the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or in a dish. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
• Grill It: Pound breasts to an even 1-inch thickness. Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
• Pan-Fry It: Use a heavy skillet with a bit of oil. Sear chicken for 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

Quick Tips for Chicken Magic

• Time crunch? Even 30 minutes of marinating will give you solid flavor.
• Too much garlic? Not possible—but feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Serving ideas: Pair with a Greek salad, pita bread, or roasted veggies. You could even slice it over rice bowls or toss it in a wrap!

From My Kitchen to Yours

This Greek marinated chicken has become a regular at our table—especially when I need something simple and satisfying. I started making it on a whim one summer night when all I had was chicken, yogurt, and lemons in the fridge. The result? My kids gobbled it up, my husband asked for seconds, and I added it to the “dinner MVP” list.

Now it’s your turn. 😊

FAQs About Greek Marinated Chicken

Bring the Magic of Greek Marinated Chicken Home

Whether you’re cooking for your whole crew or just need a solo dinner that feels like a hug, Greek marinated chicken is the kind of recipe that works hard, tastes amazing, and always shows up for you. It’s comforting but bright, simple yet full of flavor, and honestly? It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even when dinner was a last-minute decision.

Plus, the marinade does most of the heavy lifting while you kick back, answer those texts you’ve been ignoring, or just scroll in peace for five minutes. (We’ve all been there.)

Serve it hot off the grill for a backyard dinner, tuck it into pitas for a lunch upgrade, or pile it over rice with a drizzle of tzatziki. However you enjoy it, you’ll be glad you gave this recipe a spin.

So go ahead—grab those lemons, fire up the oven or grill, and let’s bring a little Mediterranean magic to your weeknight dinner routine. You’ve got this.

Craving More Mediterranean-Inspired Magic? Here’s What to Try Next

If this Greek Marinated Chicken recipe left you dreaming of more sunshine, zesty herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken, you’re in for a treat. Here are some hand-picked recipes that beautifully complement today’s dish and keep those fresh, bold flavors going strong in your kitchen:

1. Greek Chicken Kabob – Take your taste buds on a skewer-to-mouth journey with these juicy kabobs loaded with Mediterranean flavor. Perfect for summer grilling or an easy weeknight dinner.
2. Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad – This refreshing, protein-packed salad makes a great lunch or light dinner and pairs wonderfully with leftover Greek marinated chicken.
3. Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice – Need a hearty side dish or complete meal? This lemony rice is the ideal companion to today’s recipe, delivering comfort with a citrusy twist.
4. Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken – Want to dive deeper into yogurt-based marinades? This version adds a slightly different spin with equally delicious results.

Exploring these dishes not only broadens your Greek-inspired menu but also helps you reuse ingredients like yogurt, garlic, and oregano—minimizing waste while maximizing taste. Happy cooking!

Greek Marinated Chicken

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Greek Marinated Chicken is bursting with Mediterranean flavor thanks to a creamy yogurt, lemon, and garlic marinade. Juicy, tender, and perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing—it’s an easy weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• Zest and juice of 2 lemons

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, onion powder, coriander, salt, and pepper.

2. Optional: Reserve ½ cup of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting.

3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

4. Remove chicken from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.

5. Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and oil lightly.

6. Sear chicken on one side for 5 minutes, flip, then transfer pan to oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts; just adjust cook time accordingly.
To grill: Pound chicken to 1-inch thickness and grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
To bake: Place in baking dish and cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
To pan-fry: Sear each side in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilled + Baked
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg