Irresistible Greek Chicken: A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight

The aroma of Greek chicken wafting through the house can transform any ordinary evening into a Mediterranean escape. With juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs, it’s like a warm hug from the sun itself.

Picture this: a backyard barbecue with friends, laughter ringing out as succulent pieces of Greek chicken sizzle on the grill. Your taste buds dance in anticipation of an explosion of flavors that promise to delight.

I still remember the first time I served this Greek chicken at my family’s reunion; everyone raved about it, and I’m pretty sure my uncle tried to bribe me for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they pack a punch in this marinade.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

• Dried Oregano: Opt for high-quality dried oregano; it adds that authentic Mediterranean vibe to your meal.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits—because we all need to feel good about our choices.

• Salt and Pepper: Season generously, as these simple ingredients bring out all the other flavors beautifully.

• Feta Cheese (optional): Crumble some feta on top after cooking for an extra zing of flavor that’s truly irresistible.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This combination creates a fragrant marinade that will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor.

Marinate Your Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow those flavors to mingle beautifully.

Preheat Your Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat; if baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot cooking surface ensures a nice sear on your chicken.

Cook the Chicken Perfectly: Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, place marinated chicken in a greased baking dish and cook for around 25-30 minutes.

Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked through, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with remaining marinade if desired and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Now you have made delicious Greek chicken! Serve it alongside some roasted veggies or a fresh salad to complete your Mediterranean feast. Enjoy every bite and soak in those compliments!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to absorb flavors before cooking. Then, sear it in a hot skillet for a crispy exterior, finishing in the oven to ensure it’s juicy inside.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add olives and feta for extra flavor. Lemon zest can brighten the dish, while red pepper flakes add a delightful kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Greek chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain its juiciness.

Sharing this dish with my family was a joy! Their delighted reactions felt like a warm hug, reminding me why I love cooking.

FAQ

How long should I marinate the Greek chicken?

Marinate the Greek chicken for at least one hour, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, this marinade works well with fish, shrimp, or even tofu as a vegetarian option.

What sides pair well with Greek chicken?

Serve Greek chicken with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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Greek Chicken

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Discover the vibrant flavors of Greek chicken, marinated in zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs. This dish is perfect for grilling or baking, and promises to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).
3. Preheat grill or oven: For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat; for baking, set oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook the chicken: Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, cook marinated chicken in a greased dish for around 25-30 minutes.
5. Finishing touches: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally drizzle with remaining marinade and sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 95mg