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Greek Chicken Marinade

A delightful Mediterranean chicken marinade featuring vibrant flavors of garlic, herbs, and lemon, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire marinade.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried oregano A cornerstone of Greek cuisine, adds an earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika Imparts subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves Provides a fragrant herbal note.
  • 2 tablespoons Finely chopped flat leaf parsley leaves and stems Adds a fresh and bright element.
  • 1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil Enhances the richness of the marinade.
  • 1 whole Lemon, zested and juiced Bright and zesty, balances flavors.
  • to taste Kosher salt and black pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds Chicken (thighs, legs, breast, or any preferred cut) Choose any cut for a juicy meal.

Method
 

Preparation of Marinade
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, sweet paprika, fresh thyme, flat leaf parsley, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and juice.
  2. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper—about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon each. Whisk until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss with tongs until well coated.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably up to 8 hours.
Grilling
  1. Preheat your gas grill or indoor griddle to medium heat and oil the grates.
  2. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  3. Remove chicken from the grill and tent it with foil for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Baking (if preferred)
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Place the marinated chicken in a 9x13 baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching 160°F, which may take another 10 to 15 minutes.
Serving
  1. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes covered with foil before serving for optimal juiciness.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade. Leftover marinade can be cooked down for a sauce. Prepare the marinade ahead of time for convenience.