Greek Chicken Marinade

A Mediterranean-inspired Greek chicken marinade featuring fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and creamy Greek yogurt. The combination creates tender, juicy chicken with bright citrus flavors, aromatic herbs, and a deliciously savory finish. Perfect for grilling, baking, or serving alongside rice, roasted vegetables, and warm pita bread.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, the juice and zest of 3 lemons, 5 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

Step 2

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken: Pat 2 pounds of chicken dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or covered container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for 2–6 hours, ideally around 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours, as the lemon juice can negatively affect the chicken's texture.

Step 3

Step 3: Cook and Serve: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes before cooking. Allow excess marinade to drip off, leaving a thin coating for flavor. Discard any remaining marinade that contacted raw chicken. Grill, bake, or pan-sear until the thickest portion reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.