Greek Lemon Chicken
This Greek Lemon Chicken is a bright, flavorful dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken infused with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. It’s grilled or roasted to perfection and pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Greek salad. This dish is simple, delicious, and perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Add chicken to a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
Grill Method:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Skillet Method:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
3. Serve & Garnish:
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~300
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~3g
Fiber: ~1g
Fats: ~15g
Sodium: ~400mg
Cook & Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including marination)
Notes & Tips
Meal Prep: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge or up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with Greek salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Serve with tzatziki or hummus for extra flavor.
Slice and use in wraps, grain bowls, or pita sandwiches.
Variations:
Add red pepper flakes for spice.Use bone-in chicken thighs for even juicier results (increase cook time slightly).