Description
This classic Greek chicken marinade infuses your chicken with vibrant Mediterranean flavors using olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing, this marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting a fresh, zesty taste that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl.
- Mix the Marinade: Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly until they form a well-combined marinade.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish ready for marinating.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to fully develop and tenderize the meat.
- Remove excess marinade: When ready to cook, take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or sauté the chicken using your preferred method until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
- Rest the Meat: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your juicy Greek chicken and enjoy the bright, herbaceous flavors.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours; overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Discard leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- You can cook the marinated chicken by grilling, baking, or sautéing depending on your preference or available equipment.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This marinade works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
- For a low-sodium option, reduce the amount of salt in the marinade or omit entirely.