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A close-up shot of Greek chicken marinade ingredients—olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano—in a bowl, ready to be whisked.

Greek Chicken: An Easy & Authentic Recipe

This easy and authentic Greek chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken bursting with lemon, garlic, and oregano. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded to even thickness
For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Grill, Baking Dish, or Skillet
  • 1 Resealable Plastic Bag

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Cook via grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Grill at medium-high for 6-8 minutes per side. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Pan-sear over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the acidity of the lemon juice can negatively affect the chicken's texture.
Letting the chicken rest before slicing is crucial for ensuring it stays juicy.