Greek Chicken: An Incredible Recipe

 

Okay, mama, let’s talk about Greek Chicken! I still remember the first time I made it. It was a crazy Tuesday – you know, the kind where the laundry is overflowing, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you realize at 4 PM that you have absolutely no idea what to make for dinner.

I was staring blankly into the fridge, willing something magical to appear, when I remembered a recipe for Greek Chicken I’d seen. I had some chicken breasts, a lemon, and a few herbs – bingo! It wasn’t perfect (okay, I slightly burned the first batch 🙈), but the kids devoured it. That’s when I knew this Greek Chicken was a keeper. It became a staple because it’s simple, flavorful, and something the whole family actually enjoys.

This Greek Chicken fits perfectly into our chaotic family life because it’s quick, versatile, and doesn’t require a million ingredients. It’s become a regular in our rotation, whether we’re grilling it in the summer or baking it in the winter.

Fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re searching for a sanity-saving meal that’s both delicious and easy, stick around! This Greek Chicken recipe is about to become your new best friend.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I usually grab these at Costco during my monthly run, but you can find them at any grocery store.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Extra virgin is my go-to, but whatever you have on hand works.
• 1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled is fine in a pinch.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: I buy the pre-minced stuff sometimes – don’t judge! 😉
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano: You can find this in the spice aisle.
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme: Also in the spice aisle, usually near the oregano.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Table salt is perfect!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground is totally fine.
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill: My family loves when I add extra dill for that fresh taste!

Trust me, this Greek Chicken ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! And this Greek Chicken doesn’t have to break the bank – chicken breasts often go on sale, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry.

Here’s a Greek Chicken trick that saved my sanity: I prep the marinade in a big batch on Sunday and store it in the fridge. Then, during the week, I can just toss the chicken in and let it marinate. Talk about a time-saver! You can use this Greek Chicken to make a wonderful Greek marinated chicken dish.

No worries if you don’t have fresh garlic – I use the jarred minced garlic all the time in my Greek Chicken. The flavor is very similar.

I also use dried herbs frequently. Fresh herbs are lovely but spoil quicker. I store leftover Greek Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for lunches!

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to make them thinner. This helps them cook more evenly.
   • I know it can be annoying, but it makes a big difference.
2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • The key is to mix everything thoroughly!
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
   • Don’t panic if your Greek Chicken doesn’t marinate for the full 4 hours – even 30 minutes makes a difference!
4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. If baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
   • In my chaotic kitchen, this Greek Chicken usually takes about 20 minutes in the oven.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
   • Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Greek Chicken – I wouldn’t let it marinate long enough. Now, I try to plan ahead and marinate it for at least an hour. This Greek Chicken should smell amazing by now! And don’t forget to check out this Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe for even more flavor ideas!

While your Greek Chicken is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Another option for the cooking stage of this Greek Chicken: Souvlaki! To learn about this, check out this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This method will have you enjoying Mediterranean chicken in no time.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this Greek Chicken when I serve it with rice and a simple cucumber and tomato salad. It’s also amazing in pita bread with tzatziki sauce. This Greek Chicken is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy.

We also love serving this Greek Chicken at summer barbecues. It’s always a hit with guests! This Greek Chicken reminds me of another family favorite, Pretzel Crusted Chicken. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for that recipe, too!

For a seasonal variation, try adding some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions to your Greek Chicken plates during the summer. Leftover Greek Chicken is fantastic in salads or chopped up and added to pasta.

My friend Sarah always raves about this Greek Chicken when I make it for her family. She says it’s the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. You can also make a dish with this Greek Chicken that resembles the Greek Chicken Souvlaki that this article discusses.

I like to add a sprinkle of feta cheese to the plates to really bring the Greek Chicken flavors to life.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Can my picky eater handle this Greek Chicken?
Absolutely! The flavors are mild and approachable. If your little one is sensitive to lemon, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice in the marinade. My youngest used to turn his nose up at everything, but he loves this Greek Chicken!

What if I burn my Greek Chicken? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
We’ve all been there! If it’s just slightly burnt, you can try trimming off the burnt edges. If it’s too far gone, don’t beat yourself up! Just order pizza and try again next time. Forgive yourself!

Can I make this Greek Chicken ahead for meal prep?
Yes! This Greek Chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate it the night before and cook it the next day. It also reheats well, so you can cook a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.

Is this Greek Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the labels of your spices to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have all the herbs?
No problem! You can use an Italian seasoning blend in place of the oregano and thyme. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious. My Greek Chicken is still good even when it is not perfect.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs! They may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I freeze this Greek Chicken?
Yes! Cooked Greek Chicken freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts:

This Greek Chicken is special to my family because it’s a reminder that delicious, healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. I want to share some quick mom hacks for this delicious recipe.

My Greek Chicken Mom Hacks:

• Prep the marinade on Sunday for a super-fast weeknight dinner.
• Slice the chicken breasts in half to speed up cooking time.
• Serve with store-bought tzatziki sauce to save even more time.

Some family-tested Greek Chicken variations:

1. Spicy Greek Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. My husband loves this version!
2. Honey-Garlic Greek Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade. The kids go crazy for this one!
3. Lemon-Herb Roasted Greek Chicken with Veggies: Toss some chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions with the chicken and roast everything together.

My son prefers the honey-garlic version, while my daughter loves it plain. I encourage you to make it your own! Don’t forget to check out my Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe for more easy dinner ideas. And for more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my White Chicken Chili recipe!

I hope you find this Greek Chicken as much of a lifesaver as I have. Remember, mama, you’ve got this! Dinner doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be on the table. Give this Greek Chicken a try and let me know what you think! You can enjoy this recipe as Greek lemon chicken as well.

 

Print