Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients, yet delivers a punch of Mediterranean flavors. The marinade, made from olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning, creates a tender and flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with any side dish. Whether you're grilling, pan-searing, or serving it with a refreshing salad, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 5 garlic cloves, chopped

• ½ lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, Greek seasoning, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to create a creamy and flavorful marinade.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

3. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to help it cook evenly.

4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the hot pan to prevent sticking.

5. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts onto the hot pan. Sear the chicken on one side for about 4-5 minutes or until a golden-brown crust forms.

6. Flip the chicken breasts and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.

7. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

8. If necessary, cover the pan with a lid or foil to help the chicken cook through while maintaining moisture.

9. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

10. Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve with any remaining yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or up to overnight)

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Grilled Chicken: For a smokier flavor, try grilling the chicken on an outdoor grill instead of pan-searing it.

• Greek Salad: Serve the chicken with a Greek salad made of cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and feta cheese for a fresh Mediterranean meal.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Greek Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. For best results, cover the chicken with foil or a lid to retain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors and result in a more tender, flavorful dish. If you're short on time, 30 minutes of marinating will still give great results.

2. What can I serve with Greek Lemon Chicken?

This chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables, Greek salad, rice, or pita bread. You can even serve it with tzatziki sauce for added flavor.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work well in this recipe. They are naturally more flavorful and juicy, but ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

4. Can I cook the chicken in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

5. How can I make the marinade vegan?

For a vegan version, replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, and ensure that your seasoning and olive oil are vegan-friendly.

6. What is Greek seasoning made of?

Greek seasoning typically includes ingredients like oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried lemon peel. It's a flavorful spice blend that adds an authentic Mediterranean touch to dishes.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped chili pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.

8. Can I cook the chicken on the grill?

Absolutely! For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

9. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients to make more servings. Just make sure to marinate the chicken in larger batches or multiple containers.

10. How can I keep the chicken juicy?

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Additionally, make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.

Conclusion

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or prepping for meal prep, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that everyone will love!

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This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine right to your table. Packed with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and creamy Greek yogurt, this chicken dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-searing or grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

¼ cup olive oil

5 garlic cloves, chopped

½ lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon Greek seasoning

¼ cup Greek yogurt

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, Greek seasoning, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to create a creamy and flavorful marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to help it cook evenly.
4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the hot pan to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts onto the hot pan. Sear the chicken on one side for about 4-5 minutes or until a golden-brown crust forms.
6. Flip the chicken breasts and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
7. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
8. If necessary, cover the pan with a lid or foil to help the chicken cook through while maintaining moisture.
9. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
10. Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve with any remaining yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• For a smokier flavor, try grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing it.
• Serve with a Greek salad for a fresh Mediterranean meal.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier version.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 75mg