Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken is bursting with bright, zesty flavors and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, the marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with Mediterranean charm.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (120 ml)
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (80 ml)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 6 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl or zip-lock bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs and toss until fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3: About 20-30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature.
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to lightly coat the surface.
5. Step 5: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the pan. It’s fine to crowd the pan slightly as the chicken will shrink as it cooks.
6. Step 6: Cook the chicken undisturbed for 8-10 minutes. Flip each thigh and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed to avoid drying out.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Allow leftover chicken to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 6 hours?

It’s best not to marinate chicken longer than 6 hours because the acid in the lemon juice can start to break down the meat, leading to a mushy texture.

What temperature should I cook the chicken to ensure it’s safe?

Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

This Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken recipe features succulent boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. The chicken is pan-seared in a skillet until perfectly cooked, delivering juicy, flavorful meat with a zesty, herbaceous punch. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe infuses simple ingredients with classic Greek flavors for a deliciously satisfying meal.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including minimum marinating time)
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (120 ml)
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (80 ml)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 6 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Chicken

• 2–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or zip-lock bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg until thoroughly combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and stir or seal the bag to coat the chicken completely. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to 6 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
3. Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: About 20 to 30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature to ensure even cooking.
4. Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add just enough cooking oil to lightly coat the surface of the pan.
5. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the hot pan, allowing some crowding as the chicken will shrink slightly. Cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
6. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each chicken thigh over and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and serve with lemon wedges if desired for added brightness.
8. Storage: Allow any leftover chicken to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 6 hours to avoid overly tenderizing the meat.
• Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking and juiciness.
• Use a cast iron skillet for best heat retention and a nice sear.
• Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken thighs; always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Serve with fresh herbs and lemon wedges to enhance the fresh Mediterranean flavors.
• Leftover chicken can be repurposed in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon garlic chicken, marinated chicken thighs, Mediterranean chicken recipe, skillet chicken, easy dinner, healthy chicken