Sizzling Mediterranean Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe

Summers call for outdoor cooking, and this authentic grilled greek chicken recipe brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your grill.

Zesty herbs and tangy marinade combine to create a mouthwatering dish that transports you to the sunny islands of Greece.

Marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, and aromatic herbs, the chicken absorbs deep, rich flavors that promise an extraordinary meal.

Fresh garlic and oregano infuse each tender bite with traditional Greek essence.

The marinade works its magic, tenderizing the meat and ensuring a juicy, flavorful result every time.

Simple ingredients transform into a spectacular dish that will impress anyone at your table.

Serve this grilled masterpiece with a crisp salad or warm pita, and savor the taste of authentic Greek cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Grilled Greek Chicken

• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps distribute seasonings evenly across the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with tangy freshness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base that elevates the entire Greek flavor profile.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidic kick that balances the marinade's richness.
• Oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings authentic Mediterranean herbaceous notes.
• Salt: Enhances and deepens all the marinade's flavor components.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning blend.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy grilling results.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds vibrant color and light, peppery freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides extra zesty brightness when squeezed over the grilled chicken.
• Pita Bread: Soft, warm flatbread perfect for soaking up marinade and complementing the chicken.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, cooling yogurt sauce that perfectly balances the grilled meat's flavors.

Gear Needed For Grilled Greek Chicken

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken with perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Needed to safely handle and flip chicken on the hot grill.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature.
• Medium Bowl or Zip-Top Bag: Used for mixing marinade and coating chicken.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for slicing rested chicken and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for slicing chicken and herbs.

Directions For Grilled Greek Chicken

• Create Zesty Flavor Bath

Whip up a tangy marinade mixing bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and rich olive oil to infuse chicken with incredible Mediterranean essence.

• Bathe Chicken in Marinade

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the flavor mixture, ensuring every inch gets coated. Refrigerate and let magic happen for 30 minutes to 8 hours.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature. Carefully place marinated chicken on grates, cooking each side until golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F.

• Rest and Garnish

Allow chicken to relax for 5 minutes after grilling, helping juices redistribute. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, add lemon wedges on the side, and serve with warm pita or creamy tzatziki sauce.

Pro Tips For Grilled Greek Chicken

• Flavor Boosting Tip: Double the marinade ingredients for extra zesty chicken that soaks up more Mediterranean goodness, ensuring each bite bursts with tangy Greek flavors.
• Marinating Magic: For maximum tenderness, pierce chicken with a fork before adding to marinade, allowing seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat for more intense taste.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still captures the authentic Greek herb profile and grilling technique.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, letting flavors meld and intensify in the refrigerator for an even more delicious meal with minimal day-of prep work.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pita to make this recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining the classic Greek culinary spirit.

Creative Ways To Serve Grilled Greek Chicken

• Greek Feast Companions: Serve alongside warm, fluffy pita bread that's perfect for soaking up delicious marinades and chicken juices.
• Mediterranean Salad Pairing: Toss together a crisp cucumber, tomato, and feta salad dressed with olive oil and herbs that complements the grilled chicken's zesty flavors.
• Creamy Tzatziki Dip: Prepare a cool, tangy yogurt sauce with grated cucumber, garlic, and dill that provides a refreshing contrast to the charred, herbed chicken.
• Lemon and Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the grilled chicken and add bright lemon wedges for guests to squeeze, enhancing the dish's vibrant Greek-inspired taste.

How To Store Grilled Greek Chicken

• Refrigeration Rhythm: Marinate chicken for a maximum of 8 hours to ensure maximum flavor infusion without compromising meat texture. Seal the marinade bag tightly to prevent leaks and cross-contamination.
• Leftover Love: Store grilled chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Slice before storing to make reheating and meal prep easier for quick lunches or dinner transformations.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen grilled chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Authentic Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Greek chicken recipe brings zesty flavors from marinated meat grilled to perfection. Juicy chicken pieces paired with fresh herbs create a simple, delicious meal perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ⅓ cup (79 ml/2.7 fl oz) olive oil
• ¼ cup (59 ml/2 fl oz) fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large container, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Chicken Immersion: Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, guaranteeing thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours, allowing flavor penetration.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, establishing an optimal cooking environment with precise temperature control.
4. Grilling Technique: Drain excess marinade and place chicken on hot grill grates. Cook methodically, rotating once to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and succulent interior, targeting 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing both food safety and peak culinary quality.
6. Resting and Presentation: Transfer grilled chicken from heat, allowing 5-minute rest for juice redistribution. Slice into elegant portions, garnish with fresh parsley, and accent with vibrant lemon wedges.
7. Serving Suggestion: Accompany with warm pita bread or tzatziki sauce, enhancing the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile and elevating the dining experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Longer marination times (up to 8 hours) intensify flavor complexity, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent protein breakdown and potential texture toughening.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat around 400-450°F to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the chicken’s delicate exterior, creating beautiful grill marks.
• Moisture Preservation Technique: Let chicken rest after grilling to allow internal juices to redistribute, preventing dryness and ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, use gluten-free pita for celiac-friendly meal, and replace olive oil with avocado oil for alternative cooking preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg