This recipe for Greek lemon chicken is chicken breast marinated with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs, then grilled to perfection. A quick and easy dinner option that’s perfect for everyday meals, yet is elegant enough for entertaining.
I’m always creating new grilled chicken recipes because we grill chicken all summer long! This Greek lemon chicken is perfect when paired with other Mediterranean dishes such as tabbouleh and homemade hummus.
You can never go wrong with grilled chicken, and this Greek lemon chicken is one of my all time favorite options. It always comes out tender, juicy and filled with flavor.
Greek Chicken Ingredients
This recipe consists of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which get their flavor from a marinade made with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch.
How do you make Greek lemon chicken?
Place all of the marinade ingredients in a large resealable bag or mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together, then add the chicken to the marinade. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. Grill the chicken until it’s done, then add parsley and serve.
Tips for the perfect dish
- I find this dish works best with thinner chicken breasts. If you use chicken breasts that are very thick, the outside could burn before the inside cooks through.
- Leftover chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 2 months.
- This chicken can be served as-is, or you can slice it and add it to other Mediterranean inspired dishes such as salads or pita sandwiches.
- You can cook your chicken outdoors on a grill, or indoors on a grill pan.
- If you don’t have a grill, it’s also possible to bake or saute the chicken with good results.
- Serve your chicken with homemade hummus, cucumber tomato salad, or mixed greens tossed in Greek salad dressing.
Recipe FAQs
Greek chicken typically contains olive oil, lemon, oregano and garlic as the primary flavoring agents. It can also have other ingredients, such as parsley, dill, or dried spices.
An average sized chicken breast (about 4-6 ounces) will take around 15 minutes to cook on a grill over medium high heat. If your chicken breasts are larger or smaller, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Flavor Variations
This Greek lemon chicken is fabulous as-is, but you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Protein: Instead of chicken breasts, try boneless skinless chicken thighs, pork tenderloin or even salmon. The cook times may change if you use a different type of protein.
- Herbs: Add some extra flavor by stirring fresh herbs into the marinade. Some great options include dill, chives, parsley, green onions or basil.
- Spice: Feel free to add some heat by using red chili flakes in the marinade. For added zest without a spicy flavor, add some cumin or smoked paprika into the mix.
- Toppings: You can top your chicken with various ingredients to add more flavor. Some ideas include diced tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts or tzatziki sauce.
I make this Greek chicken constantly. It’s a big hit with both kids and adults, and it couldn’t be any easier to put together!
More grilled chicken dishes you’ll enjoy
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Bruschetta Chicken
- Chicken Souvlaki
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets
Greek Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 11/4 pounds thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- the zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Optional garnishes: lemon wedges, parsley sprigs
Instructions
- In a large resealable bag or mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to mix all of the ingredients together, or whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Add the chicken to the bag or bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Cook time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs for garnish if desired.
Notes
- I find this dish works best with thinner chicken breasts. If you use chicken breasts that are very thick, the outside could burn before the inside cooks through.
- Leftover chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 2 months.
- You can also saute your chicken in a pan with the same cooking time. If you prefer to bake your chicken, bake it at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes.
I made this tonight, was just the right amount of lemon zest and spices. Tasted just like my local Greek restaurant made it. Only change I made was 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt. will make again!
Love all of the Greek flavours in this chicken. Such a tasty and easy dish too.
We are always looking for new ways to make chicken exciting and this was perfect. Incredible Greek flavours.
We love lemon flavoured chicken in our house, it’s always a weekly go to recipe for us!
Paired this tasty Greek chicken with rice and asparagus for a wonderful, easy weeknight dinner! Excellent seasonings. Will make again!
We made this grilled chicken for Labor Day. It turned out amazing. My family can’t wait to have it again.
we liked it.
So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!
What did you do to marinate your olives as shown on the side of the chicken? They look yummy!
They’re mixed with olive oil, diced roasted red peppers and parsley!
Thanks for sharing the recipe and the dinner menu, I am going to be making everything and thanks for giving Kim the ingredients for the couscous dish. Really nice
Great looking chicken and I’m interested in the Goggle delivery!
I made this today and it was awesome! Served it with warm pita bread!
I love the colors in this dish – so vibrant and beautiful! This sounds like a great service and a terrific meal. Makes me want to have company so I can make this!
Beautiful dish and I like that Google service idea!
Is that a Tobouli side dish? So you have a recipe for that?
Hi, it’s just a box of cooked couscous with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil and parsley. Here’s a more formal tabbouleh recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/tabbouleh-recipe.html
Wow! What a great service and a great dish!
How interesting Sara, did not realize there was a program like this available. Love your Greek lemon chicken, there is nothing like the taste of sweet summer tomatoes.