Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 25 mins
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Servings
4
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken
Description
This recipe uses a marinade combining olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, crushed rosemary, and seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper. The chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking before marinating in this mixture for 2 to 5 hours. Grilling over medium-high heat produces a golden exterior with grill marks, while the interior cooks to a safe temperature of 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, retaining moisture and flavor.
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and served immediately. The bright citrus marinade balanced with aromatic herbs offers a fresh take on grilled chicken suitable as an entrée alongside sides such as salads, grains, or vegetables.
Variation with boneless skinless thighs is possible; adjust grilling time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking. Proper resting post-grill helps juices redistribute for optimal texture.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast boneless skinless, 6 oz
- 1/3 cup olive oil , plus more for brushing grill
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup lemon juice fresh
- 4 cloves garlic , minced (1 1/2 Tbsp)
- 2 tsp oregano dried
- 1/2 tsp basil dried
- 1/2 tsp thyme dried
- 1/2 tsp rosemary crushed, dried
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- parsley for serving, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound thicker parts of chicken to even thickness.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary and season with salt and pepper (about 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper).
- Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag, pour in olive oil mixture. Seal bag while pressing air out. Rub marinade over chicken. Transfer to refrigerator and allow to marinate 2 - 5 hours (rotate bag and move chicken around halfway through if possible).
- Preheat grill over medium-high heat (to about 425 - 450 degrees F).
- Brush grill grates lightly with olive oil. Place chicken on grill, close lid, and grill about 4 minutes per side, or until chicken registers 160 - 165 degrees F in center of chicken on an instant read thermometer.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley then serve immediately.
Notes
- Boneless skinless thighs can be used; add cooking time as needed for doneness.
- Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Marinate chicken from 2 up to 5 hours for best flavor penetration.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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