Greek Chicken Marinade

This Greek Chicken Marinade is perfect for making tender, juicy Greek flavored chicken on the grill, in a skillet, or in the baked oven. With only a few simple ingredients it packs the chicken full of flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. We love it on it’s own, or in salads, wraps, and gyros!

this Recipe

 

Greek Style Chicken

Greek food has been a favorite of mine since I visited a little family-run place that opened in our mall when I was a teenager. The flavors are incredible, and almost all the dishes are healthy and delicious!

Since the love affair started, I have made all sorts of different takes on Greek food, like this easy Crock Pot Greek Chicken, one of my favorites, these Greek Chicken Bites which can be turned into Loaded Greek Wraps, and of course, the Greek Layer Dip (heaven people!)

All of these use this Greek Seasoning which is a staple in my kitchen. I make it in big batches and keep it on hand to use on everything from meats, to veggies, to potatoes. If you haven’t tried it, do it now!

This Greek Chicken Marinade uses my favorite seasoning, in combination with a few other simple greek inspired flavors to create chicken that is tender, juicy and just dripping with delicious flavor!

Tips to Make Greek Chicken Marinade

This marinade is simple and comes together really quick! I am going to share a few of my suggestions on ingredients and the process for making the marinade to help answer anything that may come up along the way. Make sure to hop to the bottom of the post for the FULL recipe card.

1. To make marinade, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, greek seasoning, and garlic.
   • You can use my homemade Greek Seasoning (which is important if you are gluten free or low carb) or I also really like Cavender’s Greek Seasoning, which you can find on the spice aisle in most grocery stores.
   • It is important to use fresh lemon juice in this recipe to get the bright, fresh flavor and acidity that we are looking for.
2. Poke the chicken with a fork, or lightly score the chicken 1/4″ against the grain, so that the marinade can best flavor and tenderize the meat.

   Then place the meat in a zip top bag or air tight container and submerge it in the marinade.
   Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.

   • Try to marinate the meat in a container that is close to the volume of the meat and marinade. That will help keep the meat submerged the best, allowing it to gather the most flavor.
   • I think the optimal time to marinate the chicken is 2 hours. You will get some flavor in 30 minutes, but 2 hours really gives the meat time to pick up the flavor and start to tenderize.

How to Cook Greek Chicken

Once the marinating is done, this chicken can be cooked in a variety of ways! You can cook it based on your preference and time on hand. The recipe card below outlines grilling the Greek Chicken, but this marinade  can also be used for chicken that will be baked in the oven, or cooked in a skillet.

How to Serve Greek Chicken

Once your chicken is done marinating and your meat is cooked, you can serve it hot or cold with a selection of sides, or as a part of another entree.

Side Dishes for Greek Chicken

• Greek Salad- Simple with cucumbers, feta, tomatoes, olives and greek dressing
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Pita Bread and tzatziki or hummus
• Cous cous

Or visit our side dish page to see all of our delicious side options!

Main Dishes to Make with Greek Chicken

• Loaded Greek Chicken Salad
• Greek Chicken Pasta
• Greek Chicken Flatbread Pizza
• Loaded Greek Chicken Wraps
• Chicken Gyros
• Hummus Bowls

What to do with Leftovers

Leftovers of marinated Greek Chicken will save well both to eat as leftovers, or to use for meal prep.

1. I like to start by shredding or chopping the chicken since I usually like to use leftovers to make another meal.
2. Let the meat cool completely then place it in airtight containers.
3. You can store in the:
   • Refrigerator for 3-4 days
   • Freezer for up to a month

Use leftovers for meal prep, or to make any of the main dishes mentioned above for an easy start to a dinner another night!

Do you have more delicious marinades?

We have quite a few on regular rotation here!  If you enjoyed this Greek Chicken Marinade, I hope you will give a few more a try!

• Balsamic Chicken Marinade
• Quick Steak Marinade
• Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Marinade
• Mexican Chicken Marinade
• Ranch Chicken Marinade

Or visit our Grilling page to see all of our grilling recipes!