Juicy Greek Chicken Recipe
Juicy Greek Chicken Recipe is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for easy family dinners. Tender chicken is marinated with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for amazing Mediterranean flavor. This easy chicken recipe stays juicy and delicious every time.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Tongs
- Baking dish
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts – 2 pounds
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice – 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 4, minced
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Plain Greek yogurt – 1 tablespoon
- Parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Greek yogurt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended for a flavorful chicken marinade.
Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them completely in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors soak deeply into the chicken.
Preheat the Pan or Grill
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface if needed. A hot cooking surface helps create beautiful color and keeps the chicken juicy inside.
Cook the First Side
- Place the marinated chicken onto the hot pan carefully. Cook for several minutes without moving the chicken too often. This helps create a golden crust while locking moisture inside the meat.
Flip and Continue Cooking
- Turn the chicken using tongs and cook the second side until fully cooked. The chicken should reach 165°F inside. Cooking evenly keeps the chicken tender and prevents dry texture during serving.
Let the Chicken Rest
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for several minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle inside the meat, making every bite extra juicy and flavorful.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and add fresh lemon slices for serving. The fresh herbs and citrus make the dish look bright, fresh, and even more delicious at the table.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for stronger flavor
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts
- Add feta cheese before serving for extra flavor
- Serve with tzatziki sauce, rice, or roasted vegetables
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet to keep the chicken moist