This Greek Lemon Chicken is bursting with bright, zesty flavors and is incredibly easy to make. The lemon and herbs create a tangy, refreshing marinade that makes the chicken tender and flavorful!

If I have only a few ingredients and want something flavorful and easy to prepare, I will make Greek Lemon Chicken. This is a dish I like to make for dinner a lot because it’s bright, tangy, and absolutely delicious.

The mix of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs gives the chicken a vibrant, flavorful taste. This recipe is a personal favorite of mine, and I truly appreciate its simplicity—the lemon zest and oregano contribute to a refreshingly unique flavor that’s simply unbeatable. It’s my go-to option whenever I crave something quick yet delicious!

I make this Greek Lemon Chicken with just a few ingredients like chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and dried oregano. You can also add some other herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for extra depth, and the result is just wow! The chicken turns out juicy, tender, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor. You’ll love it for sure—it’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious!

And for a perfect meal, you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek salad. Some fluffy rice or pita bread also pairs wonderfully to soak up all the flavors. This recipe is super easy to make, and it’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep for the week.

Why This Greek Lemon Chicken Is Great?

Greek Lemon Chicken is great because it’s a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that everyone will enjoy. The tangy lemon marinade gives the chicken a burst of flavor, while the garlic and herbs add depth. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be paired with so many sides, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The best part is that it only requires a few simple ingredients, but the result feels like a gourmet meal.

This recipe is also great because it’s quick and easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious, flavorful dinner ready in no time. The chicken stays juicy and tender, and the lemony aroma is just irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish always delivers.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Grill Pan or Skillet – To cook the chicken perfectly.
• Bowl for Marinade – Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
• Knife and Cutting Board – To chop the garlic and prepare the chicken.
• Measuring Spoons – For measuring out the spices and seasoning.
• Tongs – For flipping the chicken as it cooks.
• Serving Platter or Plate – Serve the chicken once it’s done.

How to make Greek Lemon Chicken

Step 1:

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.

Step 2:

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3:

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4:

Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or rice.

Tips for Greek Lemon Chicken

• For a little sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey to the marinade. It balances the tartness of the lemon.

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for deeper flavor absorption.

• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley work wonderfully in this recipe. Feel free to experiment!

• If you have a grill, this recipe is perfect for grilling. It adds an extra smoky flavor to the chicken.

• Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the marinade for a little heat.

• For a juicier, more flavorful option, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.

• After cooking the chicken, slice it up and toss it in a Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and feta for a complete meal.

What to Pair with Greek Lemon Chicken?

For serving, always pair Greek Lemon Chicken with a simple Greek salad. The crispness of cucumbers, olives, and the creaminess of feta complement the zesty chicken perfectly, making it a refreshing side dish.

My favorite pairing with this chicken is roasted vegetables. You can roast some potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers with a little olive oil and oregano to enhance the Greek flavors.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, serve it with some fluffy rice or warm pita bread. The rice soaks up the lemony juices, and the pita is perfect for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Recipe Variations

Greek Lemon Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce: Serve the chicken with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce for an extra cool, creamy addition.

Spicy Greek Lemon Chicken: Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers with vegetables and grill them for a fun twist on the classic.

Baked Greek Lemon Chicken: You can also bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

Greek Lemon Chicken Wrap: Wrap the grilled chicken in pita with veggies and hummus for a quick and satisfying meal.

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad: Shred the cooked chicken and tossed it in a salad with fresh greens, olives, and feta for a refreshing lunch.

How to Store

Let the Greek Lemon Chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

• For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours is ideal. You can marinate it overnight for even more flavor.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

• Yes, fresh herbs can be used! Use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as you would be dried (e.g., 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of 1 teaspoon dried).

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

• If you don’t have lemon juice, you can substitute it with vinegar (apple cider or white wine vinegar) for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?

• Yes, bone-in chicken will work, but it will require a longer cooking time—just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I cook this in the oven instead of a pan?

• Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I add more lemon to this recipe?

• Yes, if you love lemon, feel free to add extra lemon juice or zest to the marinade for more brightness.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of Greek Lemon Chicken.

Greek Lemon Chicken

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

This Greek Lemon Chicken is bursting with bright, zesty flavors and is incredibly easy to make. The lemon and herbs create a tangy, refreshing marinade that makes the chicken tender and flavorful!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 2 lemons

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
• Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or rice.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for deeper flavor absorption.