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The juiciest, most delicious chicken of your LIFE is just a marinade away. This recipe is truly The Best Ever Greek Chicken Marinade, and is a surefire way to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly moist and juicy, every single time. Plus, this marinade comes together with only six ingredients, so it’s perfect to whip up any time that you’re craving restaurant-quality chicken.
Friends, if you’ve been to my blog before, then you’ll know that I’m all about the simple and easy recipes. As a busy mom of two rambunctious little boys, I just don’t have time to make all of the intricate and complicated recipes that I used to love. These days, my meals need to be quick, easy, and simple. So, what does that mean?
It means that my meals need to consist of SIMPLE ingredients that I can almost always have on-hand – whether that be spices, produce, or even meat (like chicken breast) that I can easily freeze. There is nothing worse than needing to make dinner, only to open your fridge and realize that you’re missing so many key ingredients. In my house, that just won’t fly, so I always make sure that my recipes are something that can easily be made on a whim.
Second, it also means that I need recipes that won’t take a ton of time to make. Between spending my days developing recipes and filming TikToks (which, if you aren’t following me on TikTok yet, you can find so many quick, easy recipes and kitchen “hacks” over there), to being a present mama for my boys, there is only so much time in the day that I can spend cooking meals. That’s why so many of my recipes come together fairly quickly – because that’s what I need for my life, and I know many of you need that, too!
The Key to Getting the Juiciest Chicken Ever
There are three ways to ensure that you will get the juiciest and most delicious chicken ever. The first, is of course, to make this marinade. Because the ingredients are so simple and easy, I really recommend making the recipe exactly as is, to ensure the perfect blend of flavors. That means no substitutions- this recipe is truly as simple and easy as it gets!
Second, make sure that you are letting your chicken marinate for at LEAST 1-2 hours, but 2-4 if you really want to maximize the flavor profile. This requires a little bit of prep on your end, but I promise, it’s so easy and worth it. Once you bite into that delicious, flavorful chicken, you won’t regret it!
Third, I highly recommend using organic chicken breast for this recipe. Organic chicken breasts are so much more flavorful than conventional chicken breasts, so if you can, I highly recommend opting for organic.
What You Need to Make This Delicious Chicken Marinade
This marinade requires only 6 simple and easy ingredients to make, and truly could not be easier!
- Olive Oil: Olive Oil is a staple of Greek / Mediterranean cooking, and is essential to making this marinade! It is also full of healthy fats, and has a delicious, rich flavor.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps to cut through the fat of the olive oil, and bring brightness to this dish!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, and I highly recommend it whenever possible! Sure, you can use minced garlic or garlic powder, but fresh garlic is truly the best.
- Thyme: Thyme is essential to Greek cooking, and adds the perfect herbaceous flavor to this recipe!
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds tang to this marinade. Don’t knock it until you try it!
- Sea Salt: A pinch of salt is necessary for any good marinade!
How to Make This Greek Chicken Marinade
Making this marinade could not be simpler! Simply whisk together all of your marinade ingredients in a small bowl, until fully combined. Then, pour it over your chicken, and place the chicken in the fridge for a minimum of 1-2 hours, and a maximum of 24 hours.
Then, prepare your chicken according to your preferred method. Store any leftovers in the fridge, and enjoy!
A Few of My Favorite Chicken Recipes
If you’re looking for a few chicken recipes to serve this marinade, then you’re in luck. Chicken is one of my favorite ingredients to work with – in fact, I love working with it so much, that I created a roundup of my 8 Favorite “Family-Friendly” chicken recipes!
But for a few of my notable favorites, I love my One Pan Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (which is perfect with this marinade!) or my Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken Breasts! And to continue on with the Greek theme, I also love my Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup – aka my take on an avgolemono soup!
I hope you guys love this recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you post to Instagram, I repost your remakes on my IG stories! xx
The juiciest, most delicious chicken of your LIFE is just a marinade away. This recipe is truly The Best Ever Greek Chicken Marinade, and is a surefire way to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly moist and juicy, every single time. Plus, this marinade comes together with only six ingredients, so it's perfect to whip up any time that you're craving restaurant-quality chicken.
Ingredients
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 2 Teaspoons Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the marinade until they're fully combined.
- Then, pour your marinade over the chicken.
- Store your chicken in the fridge for a minimum of 1-2 hours, and a maximum of 24 hours.
- Cook chicken according to your preferred method, and enjoy!
- Store any leftovers in the fridge, for up to one week.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see what you made – tag @kalejunkie
in your posts and I’ll re-share!
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WHAT DID YOU THINK?
Rate + Review
Best chicken marinate ever! Please make more!!
Let me add…….to your other wonderful 5 🌟 star comments: Quick recipe, easy directions, and juicy and tasty chicken!!!!!!
Woohoo! I am so thrilled to hear that, Bernadette! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for your review!
Sooooo good! One of best marinade recipes I’ve ever tried. I use avocado oil so it doesn’t smoke so much while grilling.
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed it, Kristen! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review.
Thank you for sharing your recipe! Is this marinade enough for a whole chicken?
Hi Lizzy, depending on the size of your chicken you may want to double this recipe.
Loved your chicken marinade! Please direct me to the recipe for the side dish it’s pictured on. Looks like farro and Lima beans…?? Looks delicious!
Hi Teri! The side dishes were just for the photos, I do not have the actual recipe on my site.
I love how some people in the comments are mad that you didn’t say how to cook the chicken when this recipe is just for a marinade 😂 regardless this marinade was incredible. I marinated my chicken breasts overnight and then cut into bite size pieces and air fried. So good!!!
How long do you cook the chicken?? What temperature? Frustrating because I wanted to do it tonight. I don’t grill, so it would have to be in the stove. Thanks. Please send this today. Maxie
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your wonderful recipe blog. Your detailed instructions and delicious recipes have been incredibly helpful and inspiring. I’ve tried several of your dishes, and they’ve all turned out fantastic! Your blog is a treasure trove for food lovers, and I truly appreciate the effort you put into sharing your culinary expertise with us.
Thank you so much!
That means the world to me! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
“This Greek chicken marinade sounds incredible! The blend of flavors you describe is mouthwatering, and I can already imagine how delicious this will be. The use of herbs and spices is spot-on for that authentic Greek taste. I’m excited to try this recipe and add it to my rotation of go-to marinades. Thanks for sharing such a flavorful recipe!”
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for your review!
That was very informative content .
Thank you!
I make a best GREEK CHICKEN MARINADE with your recipe .
I’m so glad! Thank you for your review!
This worked exactly as written, thanks! It was a huge it!!
I’m so happy to hear that, Kristine! Thank you for your review!
You are correct!! The chicken came off the grill moist and flavorful. Everybody commented on how good it was.
I am so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
I love the simplicity of this marinade. Could lime be used instead of lemon?
Hi Clara, yes you can!
I made this tonight & it was very good. I used oregano instead of thyme. For me, it needed something to kick it up a notch. Recommendations?
As a Greek I use oregano instead of thyme. But I am curious to try the thyme . Will let you know.
Let me know how it turns out for you, Stavros!
How much chicken is this marinade for? I don’t see it on the recipe.
Hi Liz, it’s on the recipe card! A minimum of 1-2 hours ☻
Loved it! Marinaded around 3 hours and the flavor of the chicken was incredible.
I am so thrilled to hear that, Sally! Thank you for your review!
Hi! This recipe sounds great and I wanted to make it tonight. It says 2 garlic cloves – does that mean to just keep the garlic whole in the marinade? Thanks!
Do you mince the garlic cloves or leave whole
Both work just as well!
I turned this recipe into kabobs and put it into a salad and it was fabulous!
That sounds delicious, Naomi! Thank you for your review!
This made my greek chicken sheet pan dinner absolutely delicious..Great on chicken alone too for over a salad. Perfect mix of flavors! Nailed it Nicole Mmmmm
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Nancy! Thank you for your review!
I would love to see a ratio of oil to lemon for this recipe. I was doing a large amount (about 8 lbs of chicken) and the number of lemons called for was giving me a LOT of juice. Lemons vary in size and amount of juice per lemon. I was using 2 cups of oil so stoped after 5 lemons (the recipe called for 8) because I already had 1 cup of juice! 2 to 1 ration seemed high. I added a bit more to even it out some. The marinade tastes great but won’t be grilling until tomorrow
Thank you so much for your feedback, Pam!
Is this recipe calling for fresh or dried thyme?
Hi Joe, you can use either!
Absolutely delicious, all I would say is less lemon.
You can definitely adjust the lemon to your liking, Rebekkah!
With just a handful of pantry staples, I can transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet feast bursting with Greek goodness. I can already imagine the sizzle of the grill and the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air as this marinated masterpiece cooks to perfection. Thank you for sharing your culinary magic with the world – dinner tonight is going to be nothing short of legendary!
I am so thrilled to hear that! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
Delicious marinade! What is the edamame/rice/lentil dish that this chicken is plated on? It looks fantastic!
Looking forward to trying this marinade.
Curious if you have a favorite cooking method for your chicken? And if you’ve baked them, what’s your approximate bake time and temp you’ve used before for these?
Do you flip chicken during baking or no?
Thanks. Interested in making for company and wanna get them right! 🙂
Hi Kara! I definitely recommend pairing this recipe alongside my method for perfectly cooked chicken – see below. It works like a charm, every time! I hope you enjoy! https://kalejunkie.com/how-to-make-perfectly-juicy-chicken-every-single-time/
Thank you for this recipe 🙏 it has become a family staple! We usually marinate for at least 4 hours (we also tenderize the chicken breasts and give them a good stabbing with a fork). Coming off the grill the chicken is insane – super juicy and so flavorful. *chef’s kiss*
I am so happy you enjoyed it, Michael! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
What degree and how long should I cook this chicken. It says cook time 2hrs. I know that too long
Really very very amazing…nice article bro…
Thank you!
OMG such a simple yet flavorful marinade. By far the best Greek chicken I’ve had since mom cooked for the family.
Woohoo! I am so thrilled to hear that! Thank you so much for your review!
Hi Nicole! This sounds amazing! It’s there a slow cook recipe in which this can be used?
Hi Lilian, yes! While I do not have one, you can follow any slow cooker chicken recipe and use this marinade. ☻
Hi Nicole! Def trying this along with ur perfectly cooked chicken cooking method!
But doesn’t the lemon in the marinade “cook” the chicken a bit? Usually I see recipes adding it in right before cooking
Hi Melina! Just be sure not to let the chicken marinate for more than 24 hours. As long as it marinates for less than that, it should be good!
What is the best way to prepare the chicken. I would prefer to bake. Can you please advise?
Hi Diana! I recommend following this recipe, it’s my favorite way to prepare chicken! https://kalejunkie.com/how-to-make-perfectly-juicy-chicken-every-single-time/
I really appreciate you and these great recipes ❤️ 💕 Many BLESSINGS 🙌 🙏 ❤️ 💕 💖
I’m so glad you enjoy them, Tamira! Thank you so much for your review and all of your support!
Saw this marinade yesterday, made it this morning and cooked the chicken this evening. This is simply wonderful! Certainly the best I’ve found and so very easy. I had chicken breast cutlets so after marinating I poured marinade and chicken into a frying pan and sautéed for about 8 minutes. Delicious!!
Yay! I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe, Gale! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
How much chicken does this marinade cover?
Hi Maria! This covers about one pound of chicken. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
hi Vanessa! It should keep for one week in the fridge ☻
This looks so good! What a great summertime recipe to make for friends or to make on a weeknight!
Woohoo! Thank you so much for making this recipe, Suzanne!
I want to try this! Is it made with fresh thyme?
Hi Jennifer, yes it is!
Looking forward to trying this 🙂 do you have a recipe for the rice/edamame mix pictured with the chicken? Would love to try that as well.
I do not, I am sorry Lauren!
I bet this would be good for a strong, white fish as well.
Ooh yes, that would be delicious Marilyn! If you decide to give it a try, let me know how it works out for you!
Wondering if you can bake this. If so, what temp and how long would you recommend? My grill is on the fritz at the moment.
Hi Robin! This is a recipe for a marinade, so you can marinate your chicken and prepare it any way that you’d like! 🙂
Marinade is so simple to make and absolutely delicious!! Was a big hit with my BF. Fresh lemon juice makes such a big difference. Served with spinach pie and a Greek salad. Will make again!
I am thrilled that you loved this recipe, Carol! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!