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Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This Greek Chicken Marinade recipe is a simple and flavorful way to infuse your chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors. Combining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a hint of honey, this marinade tenderizes and seasons the chicken perfectly for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues, the marinade can be prepared in advance and the chicken marinated for up to 2 days, ensuring juicy, aromatic results every time.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or more to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 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

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken parts (boneless, skinless chicken breasts recommended)

Instructions

  1. Make marinade: In a medium measuring jug, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Prep chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large 4-6 quart zip-top bag, leaving it open. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ to ¾ inch to ensure even cooking.
  3. Marinate chicken: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken in the bag. Remove most of the air from the bag and seal it closed. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken for 30 to 60 seconds to evenly coat the meat.
  4. Rest and marinate: Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 days for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  5. Prepare to cook: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature on the counter for 20 minutes to promote even cooking.
  6. Cook chicken: Remove chicken from the bag, discarding the marinade and bag. Cook the chicken on your choice of grill, oven, or stovetop pan, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part (approximately 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness and cooking method). Let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • You can use other cuts of chicken like thighs or drumsticks; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • If not using a zip-top bag, marinate chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a shallow airtight container.
  • Cooking options include grilling for smoky flavor, baking in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or pan-searing on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
  • Leftover marinade should not be reused or consumed unless boiled for safety.
  • For extra tang, add more lemon juice or vinegar to taste.