Greek Marinated Chicken

There’s something truly special about the flavors of the Mediterranean, and when it comes to a dish that embodies this vibrancy, Greek Marinated Chicken is my go-to. I remember the first time I tried it; the juicy, tender pieces of chicken marinated in a delightful blend of spices took me on a flavor journey that I still crave today. This dish has not just become a staple in my kitchen, but it’s also a favorite among my friends and family. Whether I’m hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, Greek Marinated Chicken brings joy and flavor to the table.

What I love most is how effortlessly this dish comes together. You can prep the marinade and let it work its magic on the chicken while you focus on other tasks. And trust me, the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful your meal will be. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels luxurious yet is incredibly simple. Join me as we dive into this recipe that transforms simple chicken into a flavorful masterpiece that will make your taste buds sing!

What Goes Into Greek Marinated Chicken

When it comes to creating Greek Marinated Chicken, the ingredients not only complement each other but also enhance the flavors in such a harmonious way. The marinade is the key player here, combining vibrant flavors that will infuse the chicken with a Mediterranean touch.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast – The star of this dish, the chicken is lean and absorbs the marinade beautifully, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps to tenderize the chicken, giving it a delightful texture.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Provides a punch of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing the rich flavors.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshens the dish and brings brightness, making the other flavors pop.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A staple in Greek cuisine, this herb enhances the Mediterranean essence of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon each cumin, dried basil, onion powder, sugar, salt – These spices add depth and complexity, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon each pepper, paprika – These final touches add a subtle heat and smokiness to the chicken.

Directions for Greek Marinated Chicken

Preparing Greek Marinated Chicken is a delightful experience that lets you immerse yourself in the flavors of the Mediterranean. Follow these steps to create a dish that will impress everyone at your table!

1. Start by whisking together all of the marinade ingredients in a large freezer bag. Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices to create a flavorful mixture.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bag, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly, and then gently massage the marinade into the chicken for even distribution.
3. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or up to eight hours for maximum flavor absorption. This step is essential for achieving a deeply flavorful dish.
4. Once marinated, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for twenty to thirty minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
5. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be very hot to get a nice sear on the chicken.
6. Drain the chicken from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels, then add it to the skillet. Allow it to cook undisturbed for three to four minutes, or until beautifully browned on one side.
7. Once browned, flip the chicken over, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium. Continue to cook for approximately four to six minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for five minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy slices.
9. In the meantime, preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Grill the marinated chicken undisturbed for five to seven minutes per side, or until cooked through. Again, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for another five minutes before slicing. Serve your slices warm and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks about Greek Marinated Chicken

Cooking is as much about technique as it is about flavor. Here are some tips to make your Greek Marinated Chicken turn out perfectly every time!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Freezing: You can freeze marinated chicken before cooking. Just place it in a freezer bag and store it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or tzatziki sauce for an authentic experience.
• Cooking Method: If you prefer, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty-five minutes.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as thyme or rosemary, to customize the flavor to your liking.

Best Served With

Now that you’ve prepared your delicious Greek Marinated Chicken, it’s time to think about how to serve it up beautifully. Here are some ideas to complement your main dish:

• Greek Salad: A fresh salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese adds a refreshing crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.
• Pita Bread: Warm, fluffy pita bread is perfect for soaking up the juices from the chicken and any accompanying sauces.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy yogurt sauce with cucumbers and dill makes for a delightful dip alongside your chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds a nice backdrop to the bold flavors of the Greek Marinated Chicken.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even festive gatherings like Ramadan.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Greek Marinated Chicken is a perfect blend of flavor and simplicity, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a weekday dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. I encourage you to give it a try; it might just become your new favorite family recipe!

Greek Marinated Chicken

The ultimate comfort food that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors! This Greek Marinated Chicken is juicy, tender, and a perfect easy weeknight dinner. Impress your family and friends with this deliciously simple dish tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Whisk together all of the Greek Marinade ingredients in a large freezer bag and add chicken. Marinate 4 to 8 hours.
2. Remove chicken from fridge and let sit at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Once very hot, drain chicken from marinade, pat dry and add to skillet.
4. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until nicely browned on one side. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 4 to 6 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through. Remove to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Meanwhile, grease and preheat the grill to medium heat, 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Grill chicken undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.) Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Tip 2: You can freeze marinated chicken before cooking. Just place it in a freezer bag and store it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs beautifully with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or tzatziki sauce for an authentic experience.
• Tip 4: If you prefer, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty-five minutes.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as thyme or rosemary, to customize the flavor to your liking.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.