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Looking for a simple way to infuse your chicken with Mediterranean flavors? This Greek chicken marinade delivers juicy, tender chicken with every bite! Made with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and bright citrus, it’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

My Mediterranean cucumber & tomato salad is a perfect side dish to serve with this chicken. It’s fresh, crisp, and an ideal make-ahead side because the dressing soaks in and infuses the veggies with more flavor as it sits in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe

Tender & Juicy – Greek yogurt helps break down proteins for incredibly tender chicken.
Bold Mediterranean Flavors – A perfect balance of creamy, herby, and citrusy notes.
Easy & Versatile – Use it for kabobs, souvlaki, gyros, or meal prep.
Healthy & Protein-Packed – High in protein and naturally gluten-free.

Why This Greek Chicken Marinade Works

Greek yogurt is the key to this marinade’s magic because its natural acidity helps tenderize the chicken while adding a rich, creamy texture. The yogurt also provides a subtle tang, which perfectly complements the bright, citrusy flavors from lemon juice. And fresh mint or dill adds an aromatic herby note that makes this marinade feel fresh and vibrant, even on the hottest summer days. But the best part is that you likely have many of these ingredients on hand already!

Ingredients

Plain Greek yogurt
Olive oil
Lemon juice (or substitute red or white wine vinegar for a citrus-free option)
Garlic
Fresh mint or dill (or dried, if preferred)
Salt & black pepper
Lemon zest (optional, for extra citrus flavor)

How to Make Greek Chicken Marinade

Prepare the marinade
In a large bowl or a large resealable bag, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest. If using a bowl, choose one large enough to hold the chicken as well, minimizing cleanup of multiple dishes. I just love these bowls with color coded lids.
Marinate the chicken
Place chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) in the bowl or bag with the marinade. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Cook the chicken
After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Then you can cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-searing:
- Grill – Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side. I cut the chicken into cubes and thread them on metal skewers. These skewers are so easy to use and clean and last forever.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Pan-Sear – Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side.
Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

For safe cooking, always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Learn more about safe poultry handling from the USDA Food Safety Guidelines.

Serving Suggestions

Tzatziki Sauce – Serve as a dip or drizzle over the chicken.
Pita Bread – Wrap it up with greens and sauce for a homemade gyro.
Greek Potatoes – Lemon, garlic, and olive oil roasted potatoes for a hearty side.
Roasted Vegetables – A perfect complement to the dish.

How to Use This Greek Chicken Marinade

Meal Prep – Marinate extra chicken and freeze in portions for easy meals.
Wraps & Bowls – Use in pita wraps or over grain bowls for a nutritious meal.
Salads – Add sliced chicken to a Greek salad with feta and olives.
Souvlaki or Kabobs – Cut into chunks, skewer, and grill.
Alternative Proteins – Works well for pork chops, lamb, or white fish.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator – Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating – Warm on the stovetop, in an oven at 325°F, or in an air fryer for the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping Marination Time – At least 1 hour is needed for best flavor.
Using Too Much Salt – Salt draws out moisture, so balance is key.
Cooking Cold Chicken – Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Overcooking – Use a thermometer to prevent drying it out.

FAQ

Why use Greek yogurt in a marinade?
Greek yogurt tenderizes chicken by breaking down proteins while keeping it moist and flavorful.

Do I need to rinse off the marinade before cooking?
No, simply wipe off excess marinade before cooking to prevent burning.

Can I marinate the chicken too long?
Yes, over 24 hours can break down the texture too much. 8–12 hours is ideal for deep flavor.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?
You can substitute red wine vinegar or white vinegar for a similar tangy effect.

Can I used this marinade for other proteins?
Yes! It works wonderfully for pork chops, lamb, and even white fish like cod or tilapia.

Final Thoughts

This Greek chicken marinade is a game-changer for adding bold, Mediterranean flavors to your meals. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s simple, versatile, and packed with flavor.

Looking for more simple, flavorful meal ideas? Check out my One-Week Dinner Plan for easy weeknight inspiration.

Tried this recipe? Leave a rating in the Comments section!