Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken

$- Chicken - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Marinade Components - 3 lemons (zested and juiced) - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Garnishing Elements - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Additional lemon slices (for garnish) The key to this dish is the balance of fresh flavors. The lemons give a bright taste, while the garlic and oregano add depth. Olive oil keeps the chicken juicy and enhances the marinade. Each ingredient plays a role in making the chicken delicious. Using fresh herbs like parsley adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Lemon slices not only look great but also give extra zest when served. Choose high-quality olive oil for the best taste. This dish is all about simple, fresh ingredients that shine. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preparing the Marinade Start with a large bowl. Whisk together juice and zest from three lemons. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. For a kick, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Coating the Chicken Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bowl. Use your hands to coat each piece well. Make sure every inch gets the marinade. This step is key for flavor. Refrigeration Time Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Preheating the Grill Heat your grill to medium-high. This temperature helps get nice grill marks. A hot grill is vital for great chicken. Cooking Instructions Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip it over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. Checking Doneness Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The outside should be charred and have grill marks. Resting Time After grilling, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step keeps the chicken juicy. Presentation Tips Slice the chicken into generous pieces. Serve it warm on a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Enhancing Flavor To make the marinade pop, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemons are key. The zest adds a strong citrus taste. Use high-quality olive oil for richness. Garlic gives a nice kick. Dried oregano brings depth. Add salt and pepper for balance. If you want heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, two hours is even better. Alternative Ingredients You can swap ingredients to suit your taste. Try using lime juice instead of lemon for a twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace oregano. For a creamier marinade, mix in some yogurt. This will give you a tangy flavor. Experiment with different spices like cumin or coriander to find what you love. Tips for Getting Grill Marks To get those perfect grill marks, start with a hot grill. A medium-high heat is best. Make sure to oil the grill grates lightly. Place the chicken on the grill and don’t move it for the first few minutes. This helps the marks form. After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken gently. You’ll see beautiful char lines on both sides. Avoiding Dry Chicken To keep your chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Rest the chicken for five minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat. Slice it right before serving to keep it moist and tasty. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Let it Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the dish by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or dill into the marinade for an extra layer of flavor that complements the lemon and garlic beautifully. {{image_4}} You can cook Greek lemon chicken in different ways. If you want to bake it, here’s how. Oven-Baked Greek Lemon Chicken: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. 3. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). 4. The chicken will be juicy and full of flavor. Skillet Cooking Options: 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. 2. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. 3. Look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken should be safe at 165°F (75°C). You can also make Greek lemon chicken your own with some extra flavors. Adding Herbs and Spices: 1. Consider fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra taste. 2. Add a pinch of cumin or coriander for warmth. 3. You might try fresh basil for a sweet note. Incorporating Vegetables: 1. Slice bell peppers or zucchini to grill alongside the chicken. 2. Toss in cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. 3. This adds nutrition and makes your dish more vibrant. After you cook the Greek lemon chicken, let it cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. For best results, slice the chicken before storing. This helps it cool faster and makes it easier to reheat. If you have leftover marinade, do not mix it with the cooked chicken. Always discard used marinade to avoid contamination. You can freeze Greek lemon chicken for longer storage. First, let the cooked chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the chicken from the freezer to the fridge for several hours or overnight. This keeps it safe and helps maintain its flavor and texture. If you need it faster, you can use the microwave. Just be careful to not cook it in the microwave while thawing. Enjoy your delicious Greek lemon chicken anytime! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up the flavors. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more zesty it becomes. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge while it marinates. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Bone-in chicken can add more flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. Greek Lemon Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta - Roasted vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers - Lemon rice or couscous for a light touch - Pita bread with tzatziki sauce for dipping These sides balance the flavors and make a full meal. In this post, we explored how to make Greek Lemon Chicken. First, we listed key ingredients, including chicken and marinade components. Then, we outlined steps for marinating, grilling, and serving the dish. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and avoiding dry chicken. You can also try different cooking methods and flavor variations. Finally, we covered storage tips for leftovers. Greek Lemon Chicken is simple and tasty. Now you can enjoy a delicious meal!$

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for a fresh meal.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 pieces lemons (zested and juiced)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
as needed slices additional lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, zest from the lemons, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until the mixture is well combined.
Carefully add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld (for an even deeper taste, marinate for up to 2 hours).
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to create a beautiful sear.
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to prevent contamination.
Place the chicken on the grill, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is beautifully charred with grill marks.
After grilling, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes—this helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken moist.
Slice the chicken into generous pieces and serve it warm, artfully garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for an appealing presentation.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword chicken, Greek, grilled, healthy, lemon