Go Back
easy greek chicken marinade

Easy Greek Chicken Marinade

This easy greek chicken marinade is bright, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Made without yogurt, it delivers juicy, tender chicken with simple pantry ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinade Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl to whisk the marinade ingredients together
  • Whisk to emulsify the marinade
  • Zip-top bag or large bowl: to marinate the chicken evenly
  • Grill, oven, or air fryer: for cooking the chicken

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, grated garlic, Greek seasoning, salt, black pepper, and honey until the marinade is fully combined and slightly emulsified.
  2. Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over top, tossing well to evenly coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, bake at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes for breasts or 25 to 30 minutes for thighs, or air fry at 375°F for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

Video

Notes

  • Best Cut: Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving, while chicken breast works well when cooked carefully.
  • Chicken Amount: This marinade is designed for up to 2 lbs of chicken. Use 2 lbs for a balanced, well-coated result or 1 lb if you want a stronger, more concentrated flavor.
  • Marinating Time: 30 minutes works, but 2–4 hours gives the best flavor. Do not exceed 12 hours to maintain the best texture.
  • Make Ahead: Marinate up to 12 hours in advance or freeze chicken directly in the marinade.
  • Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Spice Blend Substitution: If you don’t have The Spice Girl Kitchen Greek Seasoning, substitute with 2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  • Using Extra Marinade (Important): If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, do not use it straight from the raw chicken. Instead, bring the leftover marinade to a full boil in a saucepan for at least 2–3 minutes to make it safe to eat. You can also reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding the chicken and use that as a finishing drizzle.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings): 420 calories, 26g fat, 3g carbs, 42g protein, 0g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.