This Greek Chicken Marinade is my favorite way to make juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, creating a bright and savory Mediterranean flavor that I can’t get enough of.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this marinade is to mix up and how quickly it transforms plain chicken into something truly delicious. It works with just about any cooking method—grilled, baked, or pan-cooked—and it’s great for meal prep. I also like that it doesn’t rely on any fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples that pack in all the flavor.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
directions
- I whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- I pour the marinade over the chicken in a resealable bag or container and make sure the meat is fully coated.
- I let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, I leave it for a few hours or overnight.
- When it’s time to cook, I remove the chicken from the marinade and grill, bake, or sear it until it’s golden and cooked through.
Servings and timing
This marinade is perfect for 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken, serving about 4 people. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare, and the marinating time ranges from 30 minutes to overnight. Cooking usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the method.
Variations
Sometimes I add a little Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and extra tender chicken. A sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes gives it a bit of heat. If I have fresh herbs on hand, like parsley or dill, I toss them in for added freshness.
storage/reheating
I store the marinated raw chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once it’s cooked, I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, and it’s just as tasty the next day—great in wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
FAQs
Can I freeze the chicken in this marinade?
Yes, I often freeze raw chicken in the marinade. It’s a great way to prep ahead—just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of 30 minutes works, but I like to let it marinate for 2 to 6 hours. Overnight is even better if I have the time.
Does this work with different cuts of chicken?
Definitely. I use it for breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even cut-up pieces for skewers.
What’s the best way to cook the marinated chicken?
Grilling gives it a smoky flavor I love, but baking or pan-frying works great too. I just make sure the internal temp hits 165°F.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Marinade is a go-to recipe that I rely on again and again. It’s quick, fresh, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or meal prep. With just a few ingredients, I get delicious results every time.
The Best Greek Chicken Marinade
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes to overnight
- Total Time: 15–25 minutes
- Yield: 50 minutes to 8+ hours (depending on marinate time)
- Category: Marinade, Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Greek Chicken Marinade uses olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano—no wine vinegar needed! It delivers juicy, tender chicken with bright Mediterranean flavor, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. A fresh and healthy weeknight staple or meal prep go-to.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- No wine vinegar needed—lemon juice gives this marinade its zesty kick.
- For extra tenderness, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the marinade.
- Add fresh dill, parsley, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a twist.
- Works great with any chicken cut: breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
- Can be frozen in marinade for easy meal prep.
