• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Dinner » Greek Lemon Chicken

Published: September 1, 2022 Last Modified: September 1, 2022 By Sara 18 Comments

Greek Lemon Chicken

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This recipe for Greek lemon chicken is chicken breast marinated with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
This recipe for Greek lemon chicken is chicken breast marinated with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
This recipe for Greek lemon chicken is chicken breast marinated with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs, then grilled to perfection.

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.

Sliced grilled Greek lemon chicken with lemon wedges and parsley.

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

Ingredients including chicken, olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings.

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.

Step by step shots showing how to marinate and grill chicken.

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.
Greek lemon chicken on a plate with lemon and herbs.

Recipe FAQs

What is Greek chicken made of?

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.

How long does it take to grill chicken breast?

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.

Grilled chicken on rice with salad on the side.

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
Sliced grilled Greek lemon chicken with lemon wedges and parsley.
Print Pin
5 from 11 votes

Greek Lemon Chicken

This recipe for Greek lemon chicken is chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, lemon, herbs and garlic, then grilled to perfection.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 241kcal
Author Sara Welch

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

  1. 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.
  2. Leftover chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 2 months.
  3. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 126mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner, Everyday Meals, Gluten Free, Grilling

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Asian Salad Dressing
    Beef Fried Rice »

    Comments

    1. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      September 9, 2022 at 12:40 am

      5 stars
      Love all of the Greek flavours in this chicken. Such a tasty and easy dish too.

      Reply
    2. Dannii says

      September 9, 2022 at 12:29 am

      5 stars
      We are always looking for new ways to make chicken exciting and this was perfect. Incredible Greek flavours.

      Reply
    3. Charla says

      September 8, 2022 at 11:16 pm

      5 stars
      We love lemon flavoured chicken in our house, it’s always a weekly go to recipe for us!

      Reply
    4. Tara says

      September 8, 2022 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      Paired this tasty Greek chicken with rice and asparagus for a wonderful, easy weeknight dinner! Excellent seasonings. Will make again!

      Reply
    5. MacKenzie says

      September 8, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      5 stars
      We made this grilled chicken for Labor Day. It turned out amazing. My family can’t wait to have it again.

      Reply
    6. Sue K says

      March 21, 2019 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      we liked it.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 21, 2019 at 8:59 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!

        Reply
    7. Danielle says

      March 16, 2019 at 7:38 pm

      What did you do to marinate your olives as shown on the side of the chicken? They look yummy!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 16, 2019 at 9:09 pm

        They’re mixed with olive oil, diced roasted red peppers and parsley!

        Reply
    8. June says

      December 21, 2017 at 8:47 am

      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

      Reply
    9. Sam says

      August 7, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      Great looking chicken and I’m interested in the Goggle delivery!

      Reply
    10. Debbie says

      August 7, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      5 stars
      I made this today and it was awesome! Served it with warm pita bread!

      Reply
    11. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says

      August 6, 2016 at 6:09 pm

      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!

      Reply
    12. Bea says

      August 5, 2016 at 5:39 pm

      Beautiful dish and I like that Google service idea!

      Reply
    13. Kin says

      August 5, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      Is that a Tobouli side dish? So you have a recipe for that?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 5, 2016 at 10:35 pm

        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

        Reply
    14. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

      August 4, 2016 at 7:48 am

      Wow! What a great service and a great dish!

      Reply
    15. cheri says

      August 4, 2016 at 7:32 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Winter Soups

    A bowl of beef chili topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

    Beef Chili Recipe

    A bowl of Texas chili topped with cheese and sour cream.

    Texas Chili Recipe

    Irish stew with beer, tender beef, carrots and potatoes.

    Irish Stew Recipe

    A bowl of egg drop soup garnished with green onions.

    Easy Egg Drop Soup

    A bowl of pumpkin soup topped with bacon and pumpkin seeds.

    Pumpkin Soup with Bacon

    A bowl of Instant Pot chili topped with sour cream, cheese and green onions.

    Instant Pot Chili

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    A bowl of rice topped with Korean ground beef and mixed vegetables.

    Korean Beef Bowls

    A pan of Tuscan chicken topped with creamy mushroom and spinach sauce.

    Creamy Tuscan Chicken

    Steak kabobs with mushrooms, red onion and bell peppers, brushed with garlic butter.

    Steak Kabobs with Garlic Butter

    This recipe for chopped greek salad is a variety of fresh vegetables with chickpeas, creamy feta cheese and olives, all tossed in a greek lemon and herb vinaigrette.

    Chopped Greek Salad

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food