Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried oregano actually works wonderfully in this recipe. If you want to add other herbs that aren't included in the original recipe, remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh—use about 1/3 the amount if substituting dried for fresh.

What if I don't have Greek yogurt?

Regular plain yogurt will work in a pinch, though Greek yogurt's thickness helps the marinade adhere better to the chicken. As another option, sour cream or buttermilk can be used, though they'll alter the flavor profile slightly.

Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?

Definitely! Bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. You won't get those lovely grill marks, but the flavor will still be fantastic. You can also finish under the broiler for a bit of char.

How do I prevent my chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is properly preheated and clean before cooking. Oil the grates well just before adding the chicken. Also, if the chicken doesn't release easily when you try to flip it, it probably needs another minute or two—chicken will generally release naturally when it's ready to flip.

The BEST Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

Name: The BEST Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts); ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup olive oil; 4 lemons; 4-5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced; 2 tablespoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Description

This Greek Chicken Marinade is a flavorful combination of Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon zest, garlic, and oregano, creating a savory and zesty marinade that tenderizes and infuses the chicken with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for grilling, this recipe ensures juicy, tender chicken with a smoky char, complemented by grilled lemons for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken and Marinade

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup olive oil
4 lemons
4–5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a freezer bag or a medium-sized bowl and set aside. Preparing the chicken this way makes it easier to ensure the marinade distributes evenly.
Make the Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and olive oil. Zest one lemon into the bowl, then juice the same lemon into the mixture. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.
Marinate the Chicken
Pour half of the prepared marinade into the freezer bag or bowl containing the chicken. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting during grilling. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours. Marinating enhances the flavor and ensures the chicken is tender.
Prepare the Grill
When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with vegetable oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 15–20 minutes, basting frequently with the reserved marinade. Turn the chicken frequently to achieve even browning and lightly charred grill marks. The chicken is done when juices run clear, and its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grill the Lemons
In the last 5 minutes of grilling, place the 3 remaining lemons (sliced) directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until they develop light grill marks.
Serve the Dish
Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the grilled lemons for added flavor. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

Lemon zest enhances the marinade’s citrusy flavor and balances the richness of the olive oil. Use fresh lemons for the best results.
Avoid over-marinating the chicken as the acidity from the lemons might start breaking down the meat.
If using a gas grill, keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain consistent heat.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle the grilled chicken with fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese before serving.
This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs or drumsticks.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 230kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 75mg