Juicy Greek Grilled Chicken Recipe
This Greek grilled chicken is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for grilling season. You’ll need just 6 simple ingredients to mix up the easy Greek chicken marinade and it gives the chicken delicious and juicy flavor. Marinate, grill, EAT! Serve the chicken with a few sides like a loaded hummus platter, Greek orzo salad, and air fryer pita bread for a Mediterranean feast that’s both delicious and nutritious.
If you love Mediterranean meals and Greek flavors like this one, you should give my Greek lamb meatballs, Mediterranean tortellini salad, pita sandwiches, or whipped feta next time.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
What You’ll Love About Greek Grilled Chicken
- Juicy and flavorful chicken
- Versatile main dish that can be paired with so many sides
- Just 5 minutes prep time
- Made with just 6 simple ingredients
- Easy to prep ahead
Marinade Ingredients
- Greek yogurt – Use plain Greek yogurt, 2% or full fat if you can find it for best flavor.
- Garlic – Use fresh garlic cloves for best flavor or frozen garlic cubes for convenience.
- Lemon zest – Use a fresh lemon as we’re using the zest from it. Save the lemon juice for something else or squeeze it over the chicken after it’s done cooking.
- Red wine vinegar – This gives the chicken great flavor, but you could also use apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.
- Olive oil – Use high quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Oregano – Use dried oregano, this gives the chicken classic Greek flavor.
- Sea salt
How to Make Greek Marinated Grilled Chicken
This is an overview on how to make Greek marinade for chicken, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
FAQs
Why should I cook it to 185 degrees F instead of 165 degrees F?
So this is interesting and something I learned while researching grilled chicken thighs. While most chicken recipes are cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, we’re actually cooking thighs and dark meat to 185 degrees F. This allows the higher fat and collagen content in thighs get a chance to “baste” the white meat, which makes it the juiciest chicken! I’m a convert and you will be too!
What does Greek yogurt do to chicken?
Greek yogurt marinades help to create a juicy and tender chicken. “Harsher” lemon juice or vinegar based marinades work quickly, which can actually toughen meat up instead of making it tender.
The yogurt works a little slower, which creates a tender meat, as well as imparting delicious, savory flavor.
What cut of chicken can you use with this marinade?
You can marinate any cut of chicken in this Greek yogurt marinade. I’ve used drumsticks for this recipe, but it’s really up to you. You could also use bone-in chicken thighs, which are amazing! The cooking time will vary based on cut, size, grill temperature, etc. so I recommend using an instant-read thermometer but here is an estimated cooking grill time:
- Drumsticks – about 20-25 minutes
- Thighs – about 20-25 minutes
- Breasts – about 45 minutes
- Boneless and skinless chicken breasts – about 10 minutes
How long should you marinate chicken before grilling it?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if you have time. You can also marinate this grilled chicken Greek style for up to overnight. Some marinades will turn mushy if it’s marinated too long, but this doesn’t happen with yogurt marinades.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to reheat
Reheat chicken in a 350 degree F oven or air fryer or serve cold or at room temperature.
Can you freeze grilled chicken?
Yes, you can freeze grilled chicken. Store in an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.
What to Serve with Greek Lemon Chicken
All this Greek chicken recipe needs is a few simple sides:
- Easy Greek Salad
- Greek Potato Salad
- Air Fryer Pita Chips
- Greek Orzo Salad
- Raw veggies, feta cheese, and olives
How to Feed Greek Chicken to the Whole Family
I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following the Division of Responsibility and knowing your job and your child’s job makes it SO much more enjoyable. You’ll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods – with plenty of play food sprinkled in.
I would recommend serving a small piece of Greek chicken in a pinch bowl (taster bowl) if it’s a new or learning-to-like it food. Serve the meal with a few items you know your kids will eat, like fruit, milk, and/or bread and butter.
More Grilling Recipes
If you like this Greek chicken on the grill, you might also like some of these other grilling recipes:
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Greek Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: about 8 drumsticks 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Greek grilled chicken marinade leaves you with JUICY and FLAVORFUL chicken! Serve grilled Greek chicken with a simple side for an easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat or 2%)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon, zested
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. sea salt
- 2 lbs. chicken legs (drumsticks)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, sea salt together until smooth.
- Add chicken to bowl and toss so chicken is evenly coated in marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Pre-heat grill to medium high heat. (Make sure it’s clean and oiled!)
- Place chicken legs over direct heat and cook for 15 minutes, flip over and cook for another 10 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.
- Let rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Cooking time is approximate and will vary based on cut of chicken, size of chicken, and grill temperature. Using an instant read meat thermometer is recommended.
- Nutrition facts are for an average sized chicken drumstick.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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So yum!
Thanks Lena! Glad you enjoyed it!
Used this on chicken thighs and it was delicious with a Greek salad and pita bread.
Dream meal right there! Thanks Taylor!