30-Minute Greek Marinated Grilled Chicken

Prep: 15 minCook: 10 min4 servingsmedium
Greek Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herbs and Lemon

Tender chicken breast infused with Mediterranean flavors of oregano, dill, and lemon creates an authentic Greek-style dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The herb marinade penetrates the meat during refrigeration, delivering bold flavors that pair beautifully with Greek sides like rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh village salad. Quick grilling keeps the chicken juicy while developing a golden exterior.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 lb chicken breast, about 1 inch thick
    chicken thighs1:1dairy-free gluten-free

    juicier cut

    Full guide →
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
    white wine vinegar1:1dairy-free gluten-free

    milder tang

    Full guide →
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dill weed
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    whole grain mustard1:1dairy-free gluten-free

    different texture

    Full guide →
  • 2 Tbsp chopped dill
  • ¼ onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • salt, to taste(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grind basil, oregano and dillweed in mortar and pestle until mostly powdered

  2. 2

    Add ground herbs to bowl with dill, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, onion and garlic

  3. 3

    Toss chicken with marinade, cover and refrigerate for a few hours

  4. 4

    Grill on hot outdoor grill or indoor grill pan for just a few minutes on each side until fully cooked through

  5. 5

    Serve with favorite sides

Tips

Tip 1

Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking and better marinade penetration.

Tip 2

Let chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices before slicing.

Tip 3

Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container.

Make Ahead

Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip marinating time to avoid bland chicken.

Watch

Don't overcook to avoid dry meat - use thermometer.

Substitutions

chicken breast
chicken thighs1:1dairy-free gluten-free

juicier cut

Full guide →
red wine vinegar
white wine vinegar1:1dairy-free gluten-free

milder tang

Full guide →
Dijon mustard
whole grain mustard1:1dairy-free gluten-free

different texture

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through completely.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Minimum 2 hours, maximum 24 hours. Longer marinating develops deeper flavors but don't exceed 24 hours or texture may become mushy.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze in marinade up to 3 months. Thaw completely in refrigerator before grilling for even cooking and food safety.