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
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.
Recipe In Action
Rate & review
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What others are saying
“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!
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!
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 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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Best chicken marinate ever! Please make more!!
This was the best chicken marinade! So easy and delicious. Will be making again this week.
I made this marinade for grilled boneless chicken thighs and it was wonderful. It was very flavorful and it made the chicken very juicy. I doubled the recipe, used a bit more garlic, added about 1 tablespoon of honey and used dried thyme and rosemary. I let my chicken soak in the marinade for about 24 hours and turned it occasionally. I can’t wait to make grilled chicken again using this marinade.
I made the Greek chicken marinade. Wow it’s amazing! So much flavour and I only marinaded the chicken for an hour. Excellent recipe!
I am so happy to hear that, Sandra! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!