Greek Grilled Chicken Marinade
This Greek Grilled Chicken Marinade is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish perfect for any grill lover. The marinade combines creamy Greek yogurt, tangy lemon, fresh garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, making the chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s simple to prep and works wonderfully with chicken thighs or breasts. Once grilled to perfection, serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients List:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt substitute with sour cream if needed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil optional, but adds extra flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
Key Substitutions:
- Use regular yogurt if Greek yogurt isn’t available.
- For a dairy-free option swap the yogurt with coconut yogurt or use a non-dairy sour cream.
- If you prefer a spicier kick add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Instructions
How to Cook the Greek-inspired chicken marinade: A Step-by-Step Guide
Make the marinade
- In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir it up until everything’s well combined. You’re basically making a flavor bomb, so don’t rush it!
Prep the chicken
- Take your chicken breasts and give them a little love. If they’re super thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally so they cook evenly. Then, throw them into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Marinate like a pro
- Pour that amazing marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it into the fridge for at least 1 hour. (If you’ve got more time, go ahead and let it marinate overnight—you’ll be rewarded with even more flavor!)
Preheat the grill
- While the chicken’s soaking in all that goodness, fire up your grill. Get it nice and hot—medium-high heat works best. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s ready to go!
Grill the chicken
- Time to cook! Place the marinated chicken on the grill, and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes (depending on thickness). You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t forget to flip it halfway, so it gets that beautiful grill mark.
Rest and serve
- Once the chicken’s perfectly grilled, let it rest for 5 minutes. (This keeps it juicy—trust me, you’ll thank me later!) Slice it up, serve it with your favorite sides, and watch everyone dig in.
- Pro Tip: If you want those crispy grill marks, don’t mess with the chicken too much while it’s cooking. Let it do its thing!
Notes
- If you prefer extra tang, add more lemon juice or zest to the marinade.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for juicier results, but breasts will work too.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.