30-Minute Grilled Greek Chicken with Herb Marinade
Mediterranean-inspired grilled chicken featuring a bright marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like oregano and dill. The combination of garlic, red wine vinegar, and traditional Greek seasonings creates tender, flavorful chicken with a beautiful char from the grill. Perfect for summer dinners, meal prep, or serving alongside Greek salad and pita bread. This version stands out for its authentic herb blend and proper marinating time that ensures the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano(optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- 1
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, dill, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl
- 2
Pour marinade into a large ziptop plastic bag
- 3
Add chicken to the bag and marinate in refrigerator
- 4
Remove chicken from refrigerator and let come to room temperature
- 5
Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high
- 6
Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade
- 7
Place chicken on grill and cook
- 8
Flip chicken and continue grilling until no longer pink in the middle
Tips
Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking and faster grilling time
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor
Serve immediately while hot with lemon wedges and fresh herbs
Common Mistakes
Marinate at least 6 hours to avoid bland chicken
Don't skip resting time to avoid dry meat
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in thighs work great and stay more tender. Adjust cooking time to 7-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long will the marinated chicken keep?
Marinated raw chicken keeps 1-2 days in refrigerator. Don't marinate longer than 24 hours as acid can break down texture.
Can I cook this in the oven if no grill?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use broiler last 2-3 minutes for char.