Foolproof Greek Chicken Marinade You’ll Make on Repeat Recipe

Introduction

This foolproof Greek chicken marinade is bursting with bright lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, making every bite tender and flavorful. Perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing, it’s a versatile marinade you’ll want to make again and again. Give your chicken a delicious Mediterranean twist that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken (thighs, breasts, or drumsticks)
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Whisk or shake the mixture well until all the ingredients are fully blended.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
4. Step 4: Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the dish, and gently massage the marinade into the chicken to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook by grilling, baking, or sautéing until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• Add extra tang and creaminess by including a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt in the marinade.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, grate the garlic instead of mincing it.
• Swap dried oregano for Italian seasoning to give the marinade a different herby profile.
• If you don’t have lemon, substitute with red or white wine vinegar.
• Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an extra Mediterranean flair.
• Try this marinade on chicken skewers, kabobs, or use it for meal-prep bowls throughout the week.

Storage

The marinade can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Raw chicken combined with the marinade can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before cooking. Reheat cooked chicken gently to retain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours. Beyond that, the acid in the marinade can cause the chicken to become mushy or rubbery.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Yes! This flavorful marinade works wonderfully on pork chops, shrimp, tofu, and even vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Foolproof Greek Chicken Marinade You’ll Make on Repeat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

This foolproof Greek chicken marinade blends Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs to create a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed chicken perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing. Ideal for a quick marinade or an all-day soak to infuse classic Mediterranean flavors into your chicken, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes to 24 hours (including marinating time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Chicken Recipes
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Main Ingredient

• 2 lbs chicken (thighs, breasts, or drumsticks)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are evenly blended.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place 2 pounds of your choice of chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or drumsticks) into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the dish, and gently massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coating.
3. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavor absorption. For best results, marinate for up to 24 hours to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor depth.
4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade when ready to cook. Grill, bake, or sauté the chicken until cooked through and golden on the outside, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Notes

• Do not marinate chicken longer than 24 hours, as the acid can make it rubbery.
• This marinade is also excellent for chicken skewers, kabobs, or meal-prep bowls.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, grate the garlic instead of mincing.
• If you don’t have lemon, substitute with red or white wine vinegar.
• Add fresh rosemary or thyme for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Store the marinade in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze marinated raw chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Serving suggestions include topping a Greek salad with kalamata olives and feta, serving with warm pita and tzatziki, or creating a DIY gyro night.

Keywords: Greek chicken marinade, Greek yogurt chicken, easy chicken marinade, Mediterranean chicken, lemon garlic chicken, grilled Greek chicken