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Juicy Greek Chicken

Juicy Greek chicken with tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. Grill until the center reaches 165°F for classic Mediterranean flavor and juicy results.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Juicy Greek Chicken
  • 2.5 lb chicken pieces Use a mix of bone-in or boneless pieces for best juiciness.
  • 0.33 cup olive oil Extra-virgin works well for flavor.
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice Fresh is preferred.
  • 2 lemons You’ll use the zest (and optionally extra slices for serving).
  • 4 garlic cloves Minced.
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano Use 1 tbsp dried if fresh isn’t available.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 tsp salt To taste; start with less and adjust.
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper To taste; start with less and adjust.

Method
 

Make the Greek marinade
  1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh oregano (or dried), dried thyme, salt, and pepper until the marinade looks evenly combined with a glossy sheen.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces dry and place them in a non-reactive bowl or container, then pour the marinade over and turn the chicken to coat all surfaces.
Marinate
  1. Cover and marinate the chicken for 4-24 hours in the refrigerator so the flavors soak in and the meat stays juicy.
Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then grill the chicken pieces until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, turning as needed for even browning (about 25 minutes total).
Rest and serve
  1. Let the grilled chicken rest 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute and each bite stays tender.

Notes

For maximum juiciness, use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken at 165°F in the thickest part. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days; freezing is yes (up to 2-3 months) for best texture. For a lighter option, use reduced-sodium salt and skinless chicken pieces to cut fat while keeping the lemon-oregano flavor.