Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish made with boneless chicken breasts marinated in a creamy blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices. Perfectly seared until golden and juicy, it’s a nutritious and satisfying main course that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love bold, zesty flavors with minimal effort, this recipe is a must-try. The Greek yogurt marinade not only adds flavor but helps keep the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a healthy meal prep option.

• Bold Mediterranean flavor with simple ingredients

• Greek yogurt marinade keeps chicken juicy and tender

• Ready in just about an hour

• Great with rice, salads, or roasted veggies

• High in protein and naturally gluten-free

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. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, Greek seasoning, and Greek yogurt until creamy and well blended.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

3. Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

5. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. If needed, cover the pan with a lid or foil to help cook the chicken through while keeping it moist.

7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve with any remaining marinade as a sauce for drizzling or dipping.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Marinade time: 30 minutes (minimum)

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use chicken thighs: Boneless thighs work well and stay extra juicy.

• Add herbs: Toss in fresh oregano, dill, or mint to enhance the Greek flavor.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade.

• Citrus swap: Use lime or orange juice for a slightly different citrus twist.

• Grilled version: Grill the chicken on an outdoor grill for smoky flavor and beautiful char marks.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I bake this chicken instead?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What is Greek seasoning made of?

It typically includes oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and marjoram. You can also make your own.

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than overnight?

24 hours is generally the max for yogurt-based marinades to avoid the meat becoming too soft.

What side dishes go well with Greek lemon chicken?

Serve it with rice, orzo, pita bread, Greek salad, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables.

Is Greek yogurt necessary?

Yes, it adds tang and helps tenderize the meat. You can substitute with sour cream if needed.

Can I cook this in the air fryer?

Yes. Cook at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What if I don’t have Greek seasoning?

Use a mix of oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, just adjust the cook time accordingly and ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Definitely. It stores well and is easy to reheat throughout the week.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

Conclusion

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is simple, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Thanks to the creamy yogurt marinade and bright lemon, each bite is juicy, zesty, and satisfying. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or baked, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with all your favorite sides and is perfect for any night of the week.