Juiciest Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe for Summer Magic

Mediterranean kitchens have long perfected this incredible grilled Greek chicken that promises pure culinary magic.

Sunshine-drenched herbs and zesty marinades create an irresistible flavor profile for your dinner.

Tender chicken pieces absorb fragrant oregano, lemon, and garlic notes that transport you directly to a coastal Greek taverna.

Marinating transforms ordinary poultry into a spectacular feast bursting with authentic Mediterranean charm.

Bright citrus and robust seasonings ensure each bite delivers a vibrant taste experience.

Crisp grill marks and juicy interior make this recipe a definite crowd-pleaser.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can craft such an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to embark on a delicious Greek culinary adventure that will become your new favorite recipe.

Great Pairings for Greek-Style Grilled Chicken

• Pair this zesty grilled chicken with a chilled Assyrtiko from Santorini, matching its bright citrus notes and complementing the lemon-herb marinade perfectly.
• Surround the chicken with creamy tzatziki, warm pita bread, Greek salad, and kalamata olives to build a complete Mediterranean dining experience that celebrates authentic Greek flavors.
• Prepare a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and oregano to echo the chicken's marinade ingredients and provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint.
• Roast potato wedges with rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and sea salt to create a traditional Greek side dish that seamlessly matches the grilled chicken's Mediterranean profile.

Flavor Twists for Grilled Greek Chicken

• Low-Sodium Greek Chicken: Replace salt with herbs like thyme and rosemary, use low-sodium vinegar, and substitute olive oil with a light herb-infused oil for flavor without excess sodium.
• Mediterranean Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinate using the same Greek-inspired seasonings, and grill until lightly charred for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Ensure marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free, serve with gluten-free pita or quinoa instead of traditional wheat pita, and use tamari instead of regular vinegar.
• Keto-Adapted Chicken: Skip pita bread, increase olive oil content, add extra herbs, and serve with a side of grilled zucchini or cauliflower to maintain low-carb requirements.

Chicken FAQs for Greek Nights

• What ingredients make this Greek chicken marinade authentic?

The olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano are key Mediterranean flavors that give this dish its traditional Greek profile, creating a tangy and herbaceous coating for the chicken.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! The marinade works perfectly with chicken breasts, thighs, or even a whole cut-up chicken, so you can choose your preferred portion and cooking style.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked without a meat thermometer?

Look for clear juices when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken, and ensure the meat is completely white with no pink areas. The recommended internal temperature of 165F guarantees food safety.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 8 hours?

No, while longer marinating enhances flavor, even 30 minutes will infuse the chicken with delicious Greek-inspired seasonings, making it tender and tasty.

Why Grilled Greek Chicken Is Packed with Flavor

• Dive into this Greek chicken recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.
• Whip up the marinade in just minutes, letting the chicken soak up Mediterranean flavors while you relax or handle other tasks.
• Ideal for summer cookouts, backyard gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.
• Easily adaptable for meal prep, packed lunches, or family dinners – serve with pita, salad, or tzatziki for a complete and satisfying meal.

What You’ll Need for Grilled Greek Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs the marinade's delicious Mediterranean flavors, best with boneless chicken breasts or thighs.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a rich, tangy base for the marinade.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds depth and brightness to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic undertones that complement the Greek-style seasoning.

• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste, dried oregano works best.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright color and additional flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Adds fresh citrus kick and enhances the marinade's zesty profile.

• Pita, Tzatziki Sauce: Traditional Greek side dishes that complement the grilled chicken perfectly.

Grilling Greek Chicken the Traditional Way

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the marinade looks smooth and well-combined, creating a mouthwatering Greek-inspired blend.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

Nestle chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure every inch gets coated. Seal the container and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up those amazing flavors for minimum 30 minutes or maximum 8 hours – the longer, the more delicious!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. Pull chicken out of the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the grill grates, cooking each side for 6-8 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Rest and Garnish

• Lemon wedges
• Warm pita bread
• Creamy tzatziki sauce

Tips for Juicy Chicken with Greek Herbs

• Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in the marinade for up to 8 hours to infuse deeper Greek-style taste and tenderness.
• Check Internal Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
• Maximize Grill Marks and Flavor: Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve beautiful caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken for tofu or portobello mushrooms to create a vegetarian version with identical Mediterranean seasoning profile.
• Rest Meat for Juicy Results: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat incredibly moist and tender.

Keeping Grilled Greek Chicken Tasty

• Store leftover grilled Greek chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag, preserving for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature and adding a splash of water to keep chicken juicy and prevent toughness.

Grilled Greek Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sunshine radiates through this Grilled Greek Chicken, infusing classic flavors with succulent herb-marinated meat. Zesty lemon, oregano, and garlic dance together, inviting you to savor a delightful culinary journey from Greece’s coastal kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Marinade Liquids:

• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red wine vinegar

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
• Optional garnish: lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing container or resealable plastic bag.
2. Thoroughly immerse the chicken pieces in the aromatic liquid, ensuring each surface is well-coated. Seal and transfer to the refrigerator for a flavor-infusing period ranging from half an hour to eight hours.
3. Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment with moderate flame intensity.
4. Extract the marinated chicken from its flavor bath, allowing excess liquid to drip away.
5. Position the chicken on the preheated grill grates, arranging pieces to ensure even heat distribution.
6. Cook each side for approximately 6-8 minutes, rotating once to achieve beautiful grill marks and consistent cooking.
7. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F using a meat thermometer.
8. Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance tenderness.
9. Slice the chicken against the grain for maximum succulence.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges, warm pita bread, or creamy tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Adjust marinade time based on chicken thickness to ensure maximum flavor penetration without compromising meat texture.
• Opt for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for juicier, more flavorful results that maintain moisture during grilling.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional marinade ingredients and serving with gluten-free pita or cauliflower rice.
• Enhance herb intensity by adding fresh mint or dill to the marinade for a more complex Mediterranean profile that elevates the classic Greek flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg