Foolproof Greek Chicken Marinade You’ll Make on Repeat Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
