Succulent Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe

The Juiciest Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and easy preparation, and this tantalizing grilled Greek chicken strikes the perfect balance.

Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and citrus, the chicken absorbs incredible Mediterranean-inspired notes.

Fragrant oregano, garlic, and lemon create a vibrant coating that infuses every tender bite with authentic Greek essence.

Bright and juicy, this dish transports you to sun-drenched coastal tavernas with minimal effort.

The simple marinade transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that sings with fresh, clean tastes.

Serve alongside crisp salad or warm pita for a complete and satisfying dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grilling Grilled Greek Chicken with Lemon and Herb Perfection

  • Whip Up a Zesty Marinade

Mix olive oil, tangy lemon juice, crushed garlic, red wine vinegar, aromatic oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag until well combined.

  • Bathe the Chicken

Submerge chicken in the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated. Seal and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour or up to a full day.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Rescue the chicken from its marinade bath and place it on the grates. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until the meat is thoroughly cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature.

  • Rest and Feast

Allow the chicken to relax for a few minutes after grilling. Slice it up and serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, accompanied by zesty lemon wedges, warm pita, or creamy tzatziki sauce.

Tips to Marinate Grilled Greek Chicken Like a Pro

  • Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption, but don't exceed 8 hours or the acid might start breaking down the meat's texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while keeping the meat juicy and safe to eat.
  • Skip the pita and serve over a Greek salad or with roasted vegetables for a carb-conscious meal that's packed with Mediterranean flavors.
  • Replace chicken with firm tofu or thick slices of portobello mushrooms, adjusting marinating and grilling times to suit the alternative protein.
  • If grilling isn't possible, bake the marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serving Grilled Greek Chicken with Fresh, Zesty Sides

  • Greek Feast Companions: Serve alongside warm, fluffy pita bread that's perfect for soaking up delicious chicken juices and marinades.
  • Mediterranean Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese to complement the grilled chicken's bold flavors.
  • Creamy Tzatziki Delight: Prepare a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill as a refreshing dipping sauce that balances the grilled chicken's warmth.
  • Herbed Rice Sidekick: Create a simple oregano and lemon-infused rice pilaf that echoes the chicken's Mediterranean seasonings and provides a light, fragrant accompaniment.

How to Pack and Store Grilled Greek Chicken for Later

  • Store marinated chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, tightly sealed in a container or zip-top bag to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Slice cold grilled chicken and toss into salads, wrap in pita bread, or create a Mediterranean-style grain bowl for quick next-day meals that retain robust Greek flavors.
  • Wrap cooled grilled chicken portions in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, ensuring juicy and flavorful results within 10-15 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

What to Grab for Grilled Greek Chicken Night

For Marinade Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps infuse flavors and creates silky coating for even grilling.
  • Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds bright, zesty Mediterranean tang.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Balances flavors and enhances marinade's depth.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Provides robust, earthy undertones with classic Greek flavor profile.
  • Oregano: Delivers authentic Mediterranean herb essence with woody and slightly peppery notes.
For Seasoning and Finish:
  • Salt: Draws out moisture and intensifies overall taste experience.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complements other marinade ingredients.
For Protein:
  • Chicken: Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy and tender result.
For Garnish and Serving:
  • Parsley: Adds fresh, green visual appeal and light herbal freshness.
  • Lemon Wedges: Offers optional extra citrus brightness when serving.
  • Pita: Traditional Greek accompaniment for soaking up delicious marinade.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Classic Greek condiment providing cool, creamy complement.

Tools That Make Grilled Greek Chicken a Breeze

  • Grill: High-quality outdoor or indoor grill for perfect char and flavor.
  • Instant-read thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature.
  • Medium bowl or zip-top bag: For mixing marinade and coating chicken evenly.
  • Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting board: For slicing rested chicken.
  • Sharp knife: Cleanly cuts chicken after grilling.
  • Tongs: Safely handles chicken on the grill.
Print
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Succulent Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe

Succulent Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent Grilled Greek Chicken delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, with herbed marinade dancing across tender meat. Lemon, oregano, and garlic create a classic Greek flavor profile that transports you directly to a seaside taverna with one delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • ⅓ cups (79 ml) olive oil
  • ¼ cups (59 ml) lemon juice (fresh, about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley (chopped), lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl or sealed container, whisking until thoroughly blended.
  2. Chicken Marination: Immerse chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal container and refrigerate, allowing flavors to penetrate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
  3. Grilling Process: Ignite grill to medium-high heat, creating consistent thermal zones. Extract chicken from marinade, discarding remaining liquid. Position chicken on grill grates, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, achieving golden-brown exterior with pronounced grill marks.
  4. Serving Technique: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Present alongside lemon wedges, warm pita bread, and creamy tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek culinary experience.

Notes

  • Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while avoiding dryness.
  • Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and create beautiful grill marks.
  • Always let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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