Name: Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
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

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If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels both fresh and comforting, this Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe is absolutely for you. Bursting with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a bouquet of herbs, it brings a bright Mediterranean charm to your table with tender, juicy chicken thighs that soak up every bit of the fragrant marinade. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or something special to impress your friends, this recipe delivers on all fronts with simplicity and flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass jar filled with multiple layers is shown from above on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of small chopped white and light brown pieces, topped with a thick layer of yellowish liquid. On top of that, there is a dense sprinkle of dried herbs or seeds, grayish and finely textured. A brass spoon partly dipped into the jar's contents rests at an angle inside it. The jar itself is round and transparent, showing all contents clearly, making the layers stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — the lemon juice adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken, garlic delivers that unmistakable punch, herbs bring an earthy freshness, and olive oil ties everything together with silky richness.

Extra-virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): Adds smooth richness and helps infuse flavors deeply into the chicken.
Lemon juice (1/3 cup): Provides bright acidity that tenderizes and lifts the overall flavor.
Fresh lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Offers an extra burst of citrus aroma to brighten every bite.
Garlic cloves, minced (6 large): Ensures a punchy and savory backbone to the marinade.
Dried oregano (2 teaspoons) or fresh (2 tablespoons): Delivers classic Greek herbal notes that perfectly complement the lemon.
Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon) or fresh (1 tablespoon): Adds piney warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon) or fresh (1 tablespoon): Offers subtle earthy hints with a delicate fragrance.
Sea salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and balances the marinade.
Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just enough spiciness to keep things lively.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A hint of warmth that makes the marinade uniquely complex.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2-3 pounds): Perfectly juicy and tender, these soak up all the marinade for max deliciousness.

How to Make Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together all the ingredients except the chicken in a large bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag. This marinade is where all the flavors mingle — from the zesty lemon and aromatic garlic to the fragrant herbs. Make sure everything is well combined to get the best marinating magic.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, let the chicken soak in that beautiful lemon and garlic mixture for up to 6 hours. This step is key to achieving tender, flavorful meat bursting with Mediterranean soul.

Step 3: Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

About 20 to 30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature. This helps the meat cook evenly and avoid any chill in the center, ensuring juicy results every time.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat, adding a light coating of your preferred cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs in the pan. It’s okay if they are a bit crowded as they will shrink during cooking. Cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes to get a beautiful caramelized crust, then flip each piece and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until fully cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety, but many love pushing to 195°F (90°C) for richer flavor and tenderness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite juicy and tender. Get ready for a fantastic explosion of lemony, garlicky goodness!

How to Serve Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe

A white plate filled with a pile of golden brown grilled chicken pieces showing crispy, slightly charred edges with specks of black pepper and herbs. The chicken rests on lemon slices all around its edges. Sprigs of fresh green rosemary are placed on the plate, adding a touch of color and freshness. The plate sits on a piece of coarse brown burlap cloth, set on a white marbled textured surface. In the corner, a part of a lemon and a garlic bulb are visible, enhancing the fresh, natural feel of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or oregano on top can elevate the dish’s freshness and provide a beautiful pop of green. Adding lemon wedges on the side invites guests to customize their tang, emphasizing the signature citrus flavor of the recipe.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs effortlessly with Greek-inspired sides like fluffy couscous, vibrant Greek salad, or creamy tzatziki sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or lemon and garlic roasted potatoes complement the marinade’s profile beautifully, rounding out a colorful and balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of warm pita bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a scattering of feta cheese crumbles. Alternatively, wrap the chicken in a soft flatbread with fresh greens and a dollop of yogurt sauce for a delicious lunch or picnic option that captures the spirit of the Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken by wrapping it tightly or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months for best quality. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken slowly in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the chicken moist during reheating. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the tender meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well with this marinade, though they cook quicker. For breasts, cook about 7-8 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At minimum, marinate for 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate. For more intense, tender results, marinate up to 6 hours. Just remember to keep the chicken refrigerated during longer marinating times for food safety.

Can I grill this Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe?

Definitely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky char that pairs beautifully with the lemon and garlic marinade. Grill over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through, adjusting time based on thickness.

Is nutmeg necessary in this recipe?

Nutmeg is optional and adds a subtle warmth that brings complexity to the marinade. If you’re not a fan or don’t have it, feel free to skip it without losing the signature flavor.

What if I want to bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

You can bake boneless thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes or bone-in thighs for about 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking yields juicy meat while letting the marinade infuse over time.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe has quickly become a personal favorite for good reason. It’s incredibly simple yet delivers layers of fresh, vibrant flavors that feel anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish promises juicy, fragrant chicken that will bring smiles to your table and memories of a warm Mediterranean evening. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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