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Greek Chicken Marinade with Lemon, Garlic, and Oregano Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 24 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Greek Chicken Marinade recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful marinade blending extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and yogurt. The marinade tenderizes the chicken breasts, infusing them with Mediterranean flavors before grilling to juicy perfection. Perfect for a healthy, high-protein meal, this recipe yields deliciously aromatic grilled chicken with a slightly tangy and savory profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs Chicken Breast (about 4 breasts)

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (from 2 lemons)
  • 5 Garlic Cloves (finely minced)
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Honey (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, stir together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. If using, whisk in the Greek yogurt and honey to create a creamy, tangy base.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pierce the chicken breasts all over with a fork to help absorb the flavors. Place them in a large Ziploc bag and pour the prepared marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, ideally 4 to 5 hours, to maximize flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat and oil the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat. Carefully brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, adjusting according to the thickness of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F is reached for safe consumption.
  5. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes the chicken more tender. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and slice before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating for 4 to 5 hours enhances the flavor and tenderness best.
  • Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked safely without drying out.
  • Brush the grill with oil to avoid sticking and tearing the chicken.
  • Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps lock in juices for a moist bite.
  • Honey is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon juice.

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Find it online: https://foodtokinspired.com/greek-chicken-marinade-with-lemon-garlic-and-oregano-recipe/