Name: Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast halves; ½ cup olive oil; ½ cup lemon juice; ¼ cup dijon mustard; ¼ cup honey; 3 Tbsp dried minced onion; 2 Tbsp oregano; 2 tsp paprika; 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; to taste salt & pepper

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The Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade is one of those recipes that brings back fond memories of summer barbecues with family and friends. I remember the first time I made this marinade; it was a warm evening, and the sun was just beginning to set. The scent of the marinade filled the air as I whisked together the ingredients, and I could hardly wait to see how it would transform our chicken. That evening, we gathered in the backyard, the grill sizzling, with laughter and stories flowing just as freely as the honey in my marinade. Everyone was raving about the flavor, and I felt such joy seeing them enjoy it. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with a delightful tangy sweetness but also carries a hint of nostalgia, making it perfect for any gathering.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
40 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
19 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowls, Charcoal Chimney Starter, Grilling Tongs, Cast Iron Grill Pan

The Appeal of This Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade

It’s Flavorful Yet Simple

The beauty of the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade lies in its simplicity. It combines just a few ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through while adding a touch of sweetness from the honey and a zesty kick from the Dijon mustard. This balance makes for a delicious marinade that’s not overwhelming but rather enhances the chicken’s taste.

Perfect for Any Cut of Chicken

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can use it on any cut of chicken you have on hand, whether it’s breast, thighs, or even wings. This means you can enjoy it no matter what’s in your fridge. It’s a go-to marinade that fits perfectly into my meal planning.

Great for Meal Prep

Preparing meals in advance has become essential in our busy lives, and the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade is ideal for this. Marinating the chicken overnight not only saves time during the week but also allows the flavors to deepen, making each bite more enjoyable. Just throw it on the grill or bake it, and a delicious dinner is ready in no time!

Healthy and Wholesome

This marinade is not only delicious but also light and healthy. With fresh ingredients like lemon juice and olive oil, it brings a burst of flavor without the guilt. I always feel good serving this to my family because I know they are enjoying something wholesome.

A Great Dish for Entertaining

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive get-together, the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Its delightful aroma and vibrant flavor make it a centerpiece that guests will surely appreciate. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and compliments!

Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting a delicious dish, and for the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor. The combination of fresh ingredients not only enhances the taste but also works together to tenderize the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
½ cup olive oil
½ cup lemon juice
¼ cup dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
3 Tbsp dried minced onion
2 Tbsp oregano
2 tsp paprika
6 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
salt & pepper, to taste

Making Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade

Making the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade is an easy and rewarding process that transforms an ordinary meal into something special. With just a few steps, you’ll create a flavorful marinade that will infuse your chicken with deliciousness. Let’s dive into the steps!

First, begin by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the marinade better. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin, and place the chicken in a gallon freezer bag or shallow pan. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken turns out juicy and tender.
Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, dried minced onion, oregano, paprika, garlic, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Make sure all ingredients are well combined, creating a thick and fragrant marinade.
Once your marinade is ready, pour it over the chicken in the bag or pan, ensuring it coats each piece evenly. This is where the magic happens! The marinade will penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor.
Seal the bag tightly or cover the pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate the chicken for a few hours, or even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb, so if you have the time, I highly recommend letting it sit.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill. I love the smoky flavor it imparts to the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Now it’s time to grill! Place the chicken on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute. Trust me; it makes a big difference in tenderness!
Finally, serve the grilled chicken warm, drizzled with any remaining marinade if desired. Enjoy the burst of flavor that the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade brings to your plate!

Things Worth Knowing

Marinating time matters: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least a few hours, but overnight is best.
Checking doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
Cooking methods: If grilling is not an option, don’t worry! You can pan-sear the chicken on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 400ºF for about 10 minutes.
Storage tips: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s perfect for salads or wraps!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are many ways to make the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade your own. Here are some tips to adapt and customize it:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve moisture.
Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just place it in a freezer bag and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This is a great option for meal prep!
Pairing: Serve the chicken with a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice. Each pairing complements the marinade beautifully.
Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the marinade for an extra kick.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme in place of oregano to change the flavor profile.
Marinade alternatives: Try adding yogurt to the marinade for a creamier texture and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Enjoy Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade

Serving the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade is all about showcasing the delicious flavors you’ve created. Here are some great ideas for how to enjoy this dish:

As a main course: Serve grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal.
In wraps: Slice the chicken and wrap it in pita bread with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce for a delightful lunch option.
With sides: Pair it with roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a vibrant Mediterranean salad to create a complete meal.
For entertaining: Impress your guests by serving the grilled chicken at your next barbecue or family gathering; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Seasonal dishes: This marinade is perfect for summer cookouts, but also adds warmth in winter when grilled indoors.
Cold salads: Use leftover grilled chicken in cold pasta or grain salads for quick and tasty meals throughout the week.

FAQ

Absolutely! While the Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade is designed for chicken, you can also use it on different types of meat like pork or even fish. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary based on the type of meat you choose. Ensure you adjust accordingly to reach the safe cooking temperature for the particular meat.

For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least a few hours, but overnight is ideal. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can make a difference. Just remember, the longer it marinates, the more flavor it infuses into the meat.

Yes, definitely! The Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade is perfect for grilling. The combination of honey and mustard caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a delicious crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Just make sure to monitor the cooking process to avoid any flare-ups.

Yes! Freezing the marinated chicken is a fantastic option for meal prep. Just place it in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge before grilling or baking. It’s a convenient way to have flavorful chicken ready to go!

Conclusion

The Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade is a delightful recipe that brings together a blend of sweet and tangy flavors perfect for any chicken dish. It’s not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit any meal occasion, from casual lunches to festive dinners. I encourage you to try it for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. You won’t regret the delicious flavors it brings to the table.

Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade

The ultimate flavor combination for chicken lovers! The Honey Dijon Greek Chicken Marinade infuses tender chicken with a sweet and tangy taste, perfect for grilling or baking. Easy to prepare, this marinade will elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your guests at gatherings. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast halves
½ cup olive oil
½ cup lemon juice
¼ cup dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
3 Tbsp dried minced onion
2 Tbsp oregano
2 tsp paprika
6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
to taste salt & pepper

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Charcoal Chimney Starter
Grilling Tongs
Cast Iron Grill Pan

Method

Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness and place in a gallon freezer bag or shallow pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, onion, oregano, paprika, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Pour marinade over the chicken and refrigerate a few hours to overnight.
When ready to cook the chicken, prepare the grill. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until a meat thermometer reads 165ºF.

Notes

Tip 1: You can use this marinade on any cut of chicken you prefer – chicken tenders, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken legs.
Tip 2: We like to let the chicken marinate overnight to achieve maximum flavor.
Tip 3: If you don’t have that much time, let the chicken marinate as long as possible.
Tip 4: No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken inside.
Tip 5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.