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Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

This Greek Chicken Marinade recipe features a zesty and aromatic blend of lemon, garlic, and traditional Mediterranean herbs, perfect for infusing chicken with vibrant flavors. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade enhances the juiciness and tenderness of the chicken, making it a delicious and healthy option for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang and emulsification)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish after cooking)

Chicken

  • Chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or skewered chunks (quantity as preferred, typically 1.5 to 2 pounds for marinade quantity)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by zesting one lemon and juicing both lemons. Set the zest and juice aside. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out your dried herbs, sea salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Dijon mustard if using. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
  3. Add chicken and marinate: Place your choice of chicken cuts—breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even skewered chunks—in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  4. Choose your cooking method: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. You can grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through, bake it in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or pan-sear over medium-high heat until fully cooked and nicely browned.
  5. Garnish and serve: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a fresh, herby finish. Serve with your favorite Mediterranean side dishes such as Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably up to 24 hours, to maximize flavor.
  • Dijon mustard is optional; it helps emulsify the marinade and adds tanginess but can be omitted for a simpler flavor profile.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish to enhance freshness and presentation.
  • If grilling, oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • The marinade is versatile and can be used with seafood or vegetables as well.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken marinade, lemon garlic chicken, Mediterranean marinade, grilled chicken recipe, healthy chicken marinade

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/greek-chicken-marinade-recipe/