Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Juice of 2 large juicy lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh chicken tastes better and is juicier. Fresh lemons give a bright, zesty flavor. Garlic, herbs, and spices should be fresh too. They add more aroma and taste. When you use fresh items, your dish will shine. It elevates the meal and impresses everyone at the table. For olive oil, I recommend brands like Colavita or Pompeian. They have great flavor and quality. When it comes to spices, look for McCormick or Simply Organic. These brands ensure you get fresh and tasty spices. Quality ingredients lead to the best flavors in your Greek lemon chicken. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the marinade, start with a big bowl. Combine these ingredients: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Juice of 2 large lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - 4 minced garlic cloves - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Whisk everything together until mixed well. The smell should be fresh and zesty. Next, add the chicken breasts to the marinade. Make sure each piece gets coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, two hours is better. This step is key for flavor. When marinating is done, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Allow excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should look golden brown. Once done, move the chicken to a plate. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and taste. Enjoy your Greek lemon chicken! Marinating chicken is key to great flavor. Use a large bowl for mixing. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until blended. Make sure you coat the chicken well. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but two hours gives the best taste. This helps the chicken soak up the lemon and garlic flavors. To get those perfect grill marks, preheat your grill to medium-high. Make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled. Place the marinated chicken directly onto the grill. Do not move the chicken for the first 6-8 minutes. This allows those nice grill lines to form. After that time, flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes. Check the temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). Resting your chicken is essential for juiciness. Once grilled, place the chicken on a plate. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting too soon can lead to dry chicken. Enjoy the flavor and tenderness that comes from this simple step. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Let it Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Garnish for a Pop of Color: Finish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for an appealing presentation and a fresh flavor boost that complements the lemony chicken. {{image_4}} You can cook Greek lemon chicken in the oven if you prefer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes to lock in moisture. Feel free to get creative with flavors. You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different taste. A pinch of cumin or paprika adds warmth. If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes. You can also try lemon pepper seasoning for an extra citrus kick. Each change brings a unique twist to the dish. Pair your Greek lemon chicken with a refreshing Greek salad. A side of roasted vegetables or rice works well too. You can also serve it with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce. For a drink, a chilled glass of white wine or lemonade complements the meal nicely. These pairings enhance the meal, making it a true Mediterranean delight. To keep your leftover Greek lemon chicken fresh, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. If you’re not going to eat it soon, freezing is a great option. When you want to eat the leftover chicken, take it out of the fridge. You can reheat it in the oven or a skillet. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil and warm it on medium heat for about five minutes. If you choose to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. The chicken can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. You can serve Greek Lemon Chicken with many tasty sides. A vibrant Greek salad makes a great choice. It adds fresh flavors with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. Grilled vegetables also work well; try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. For something heartier, serve it with rice or quinoa. You can also pair the chicken with warm pita bread for a fun texture. Greek Lemon Chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. When storing, let it cool first. This helps keep the chicken juicy when you heat it later. Marinating for at least 30 minutes is good. It lets the flavors soak into the chicken. However, marinating for up to 2 hours gives the best taste. The longer you let it sit, the more intense the flavor becomes. Just avoid marinating for too long, as it can make the chicken mushy. Greek Lemon Chicken comes from the rich culinary traditions of Greece. It features bright flavors that highlight the use of lemon and olive oil. These ingredients are staples in Greek cooking. The dish reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle, focusing on fresh, healthy foods. It is often served at family meals and special occasions, celebrating the joy of sharing good food. You learned how fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. I shared step-by-step tips for marinating and grilling chicken to perfection. Proper techniques create juicy, flavorful results. You also discovered various cooking methods and tasty variations to try. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy with my tips. In conclusion, use these insights to enhance your meals. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, and have fun with Greek Lemon Chicken. It's a dish that is sure to impress!$

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, perfect for a Mediterranean meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large juicy lemons (juice)
1 piece lemon (zest)
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste none fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Whisk the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors deepen.
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature.
Once marination is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess mixture drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to ensure food safety.
Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has developed a beautiful golden brown color.
Upon completion, transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes; this helps in retaining the juices and enhances the flavor.
Just before serving, sprinkle the rested chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and taste.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. Serve with a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, grilled, lemon, Mediterranean