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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Marinade Fusion: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large container, creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Chicken Immersion: Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, guaranteeing thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours, allowing flavor penetration.
- Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, establishing an optimal cooking environment with precise temperature control.
- 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.
- Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing both food safety and peak culinary quality.
- 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.
- 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