Baked Greek Chicken Breast with Souvlaki Marinade Recipe
This Baked Greek Chicken Breast with Souvlaki Marinade offers a flavorful and healthy meal featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs, and traditional Greek spices. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, this dish embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and pairs wonderfully with Greek salad, pita, or roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon juice from half a lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried mint (or dill)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, dried mint (or dill), paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined and fragrant.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large shallow bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the chicken to absorb the marinade and develop deep flavors.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure a hot environment for baking the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a quarter sheet baking pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm alongside Greek salad, pita bread, rice pilaf, Greek lemon roasted potatoes, and tzatziki sauce for an authentic Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a stronger flavor, marinate the chicken up to 2 hours, but avoid going too long to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the meat excessively.
- Optional paprika adds color and mild smoky flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain juiciness.
