Description
Succulent Greek Chicken Marinade promises a Mediterranean escape with zesty herbs and tangy lemon. Garlic, oregano, and olive oil create an authentic flavor profile that transports you straight to a seaside taverna in Greece.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) fresh squeezed lemon juice
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons honey
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- Small lemon wedges
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, chopped parsley, oregano, thyme, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until the marinade is thoroughly blended and emulsified.
- Transfer chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow container, ensuring they fit in a single layer. Pour the aromatic marinade over the chicken, massaging to guarantee complete and even coverage of each piece.
- Seal the container and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to absorb the Mediterranean-inspired flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes, with optimal marination occurring between 1-4 hours.
- Prepare the grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating ideal conditions for achieving those perfect char marks and sealing in juiciness.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is completely opaque throughout.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs and accompanying with bright, zesty lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit longer, ideally 2-4 hours, to allow herbs and spices to penetrate deeply.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan or alternative sweetener options, maintaining the marinade’s balanced sweetness.
- Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a light sauce or drizzle after cooking, enhancing the dish’s aromatic Greek-inspired profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg