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To make Easy Greek Lemon Chicken, you need just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano, preferably Greek - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped finely (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The chicken breasts are tender and juicy, making them perfect for this dish. The olive oil adds richness, while the lemon juice and zest bring brightness. Garlic and oregano add depth, and the red pepper flakes give a hint of spice. You can find the full recipe in the sections below. Enjoy making this dish! Preparing the marinade To start, gather a large mixing bowl. In it, mix the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk these together until the mix is smooth. This marinade gives the chicken its Greek flavor. Coating the chicken breasts Now, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge. For the best flavor, aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better. Grilling instructions Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to avoid sticking. After marinating, take the chicken out. Let any extra marinade drip off before placing it on the grill. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown with nice grill marks. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Skillet cooking instructions If you prefer a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat instead. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Again, check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Resting the chicken Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist. Garnishing before serving Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. You can add lemon slices on the side for a bright touch. This adds color and enhances the dish’s flavor. Enjoy your Easy Greek Lemon Chicken! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, marinating for up to 2 hours makes a big difference. This longer time lets the flavors soak into the chicken. Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs bring bright flavors. Dried herbs can work, but fresh herbs add extra zest. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, with no pink inside. To keep your chicken moist, let it rest after cooking. This lets the juices settle and keeps the meat tender. If you slice it right away, the juices run out. When serving, pair your chicken with sides. A Greek salad or roasted veggies works well. These add color and balance to the meal. Get creative with garnishing. Use fresh parsley and lemon slices to brighten your plate. A colorful presentation makes your meal more inviting and fun. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of Easy Greek Lemon Chicken by using different herbs. Instead of oregano, try thyme or rosemary. These herbs will give your dish a new flavor twist. You can also add vegetables to the marinade. Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini work well. They soak up the lemon and garlic flavors, making your meal even better. If you prefer, you can bake the chicken instead of grilling it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Another option is using a slow cooker. Just add the marinated chicken to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method keeps the chicken very moist and tender. You can pair Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with many side dishes. Rice, couscous, or roasted veggies are great choices. You can also use the chicken in salads or wraps. Slice it up and toss it in a fresh salad or wrap it in pita bread with some veggies and tzatziki. The options are endless! For a full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your Easy Greek Lemon Chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container to avoid any odors. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature first. I recommend using glass containers for better flavor preservation and easy reheating. Proper refrigeration keeps it good for up to four days. When it's time to eat your leftovers, there are a few great ways to reheat. The oven is my favorite method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the chicken for about 15 minutes. This method warms it evenly and keeps it juicy. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a solid choice. Place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the oven or skillet to bring back the great flavors. To marinate chicken well, use a bold mix of flavors. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This mix helps the chicken soak in the taste. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, try two hours. Always cover the bowl to keep it fresh. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just remember that it will take longer to cook. You should add about 10 minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Bone-in chicken also stays juicy and flavorful. Grilling chicken takes about 6-7 minutes per side. This gives it a nice golden color. For bone-in chicken, grill for 8-10 minutes on each side. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with a fresh Greek salad. Roasted vegetables also complement it nicely. You could add rice or quinoa for a filling meal. For a light touch, serve with lemon slices and parsley. These add color and freshness to your plate. This blog post guided you through making Easy Greek Lemon Chicken. We covered essential ingredients, simple steps, and tips for great flavor. Remember to marinate your chicken well for the best taste. Cooking methods and serving ideas can give variety to your meals. Store, reheat, or freeze leftovers for future use. With these insights, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty meal with friends and family!

Easy Greek Lemon Chicken

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken with this easy recipe! Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, this dish is perfect for grilling. Learn how to achieve tender, juicy chicken with beautiful grill marks and a fresh garnish of parsley and lemon. Don’t miss out; click to explore this delicious recipe and impress your family with a taste of Greece!

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 medium lemon

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon dried oregano, preferably Greek

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped finely (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, finely minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the marinade is smooth.

    Add the boneless chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a more robust flavor, allow it to marinate for up to 2 hours.

      Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If opting for the grill, lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

        Once marinated, remove the chicken breasts from the bowl, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to avoid contamination.

          Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach a beautiful golden brown color with attractive grill marks and are cooked through. If using a skillet, cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

            After cooking, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result before slicing.

              Serve the grilled chicken garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a few lemon slices on the side, adding a vibrant and refreshing finishing touch to your dish.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Place the sliced chicken on a colorful serving platter, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices for an eye-catching display. Consider serving with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.