The Juiciest Chargrilled Chicken with Zesty Greek Marinade Recipe

Crafting a chargrilled chicken with zesty greek marinade promises a culinary adventure that transports you straight to mediterranean shores.

Mediterranean flavors dance through every succulent bite of this vibrant dish.

Herbs and spices blend seamlessly, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Tangy lemon, robust garlic, and fragrant oregano form the heart of this traditional greek marinade.

Tender chicken transforms into a mouthwatering masterpiece when infused with these classic ingredients.

Summer gatherings or quiet weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll want to savor each perfectly grilled morsel and transport your taste buds to greece.

Why Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade Packs Bold Flavor

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a zesty Greek-inspired marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste explosion, blending tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and subtle spices for an unforgettable dining experience.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prep the marinade in minutes and let the refrigerator do the heavy lifting, making this recipe a savior for busy home cooks seeking delicious, restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.
• Customize for Every Palate: Adjust the red pepper flakes and spices to create a mild or spicy version that suits your family's taste preferences, making this chicken a versatile dish for picky eaters and spice lovers alike.
• Healthy Grilling Delight: Pack your meal with lean protein and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients, offering a nutritious alternative to heavy, processed dinners while delivering maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

What You’ll Need For Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade

• Olive Oil: A smooth, flavorful base that helps distribute the marinade and tenderize the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy acidity that helps break down the chicken proteins.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic punch of flavor to the marinade.

• Oregano: A classic Greek herb that adds an earthy, slightly peppery taste.
• Cinnamon: Brings a warm, subtle sweetness to the marinade.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, green finishing touch to the chargrilled chicken.

How To Make Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade Fast

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together a vibrant mixture of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, zesty red pepper flakes, and a hint of ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. The combination will create a mouthwatering Greek-inspired liquid that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Transfer the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow container. Pour the aromatic marinade directly over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap, trapping all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Let Flavors Mingle

Slide the marinating chicken into the refrigerator.

Allow the meat to soak up the Mediterranean-inspired goodness for a minimum of 30 minutes. For maximum flavor intensity, let it marinate up to 4 hours – patience rewards you with incredibly delicious chicken.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect searing environment. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the marinated chicken breasts onto the hot grill. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, fully cooked chicken.

Step 6: Rest and Relax

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the grilled chicken for a pop of color and extra layer of fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired feast!

Tips To Perfect Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
• Ensure grill is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
• For gluten-free option, confirm all marinade ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Let chicken rest after grilling to lock in moisture and enhance tenderness.

Different Ways To Enjoy Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for a more complex herbal profile.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add orange zest and increase red pepper flakes for a zingier, more vibrant marinade with enhanced heat.
• Yogurt-Based Version: Mix Greek yogurt into the marinade for a creamier texture and tangier flavor that tenderizes the chicken.
• Smoky Paprika Edition: Incorporate smoked paprika and a touch of cumin to create a deeper, more robust Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Best Sides For Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade

• Elevate Greek Chicken Flavor Pairings
• Savor Crisp Assyrtiko Wine: Pair this chargrilled chicken with a chilled, mineral-rich Greek white wine that complements the zesty marinade's bright lemon and herb notes.
• Refresh with Greek Horiatiki Salad: Serve alongside a traditional tomato, cucumber, and feta salad to balance the grilled chicken's robust flavors and add a cool, tangy contrast.
• Match with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle a creamy yogurt-based tzatziki sauce packed with cucumber, garlic, and dill to enhance the dish's Mediterranean essence and provide a cooling dip.

How To Store Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade Right

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store chargrilled chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze Portions: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, which preserves quality for up to 3 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent dryness.
• Oven Reviving: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture.

Answers For Chargrilled Chicken With Zesty Greek Marinade Fans

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh oregano?

Yes, you can substitute dried oregano. Use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for every tablespoon of fresh oregano in the recipe.

• What type of chicken works best for this marinade?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs or chicken tenders. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut’s thickness.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Chargrilled Chicken with Zesty Greek Marinade Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes (minimum)
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chargrilled chicken with zesty Greek marinade brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate. Tangy herbs and lemon create a perfect balance of flavors that will transport your senses to the Greek islands with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids and Aromatics:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk together the vibrant marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a fragrant blend of Mediterranean flavors.
2. Transfer chicken breasts into a sealable container, thoroughly coating each piece with the zesty marinade mixture.
3. Allow chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, with 2-4 hours recommended for optimal taste infusion.
4. Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Position marinated chicken on the hot grill, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
6. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
7. Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain tenderness.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the grilled chicken for a final aromatic touch before serving.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense Greek-inspired flavors that permeate every bite.
• For gluten-free diets, ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking spice blends and seasonings.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative to breasts for juicier, more tender results with richer meat texture.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes; reduce for mild preferences or increase for a bolder, more fiery Mediterranean kick.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg