Print

Lemon and Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Lemon and garlic Greek marinated chicken with fresh herbs and lemon slices

This Lemon and Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken bursts with Mediterranean flavor, combining fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. A simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the marinade:
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • For the chicken:
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to make the marinade.
  2. Trim the chicken and, if needed, pound to even thickness. Place in a zip-top bag or baking dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4–24 hours.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and let it come to room temp for 20–30 minutes. Preheat grill or pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Grill or sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side (for breasts) or 4–5 minutes per side (for thighs), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours—acidic ingredients can over-tenderize chicken. This dish is excellent hot or cold and works beautifully in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, Greek chicken marinade, Mediterranean chicken, grilled chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner