There’s nothing quite like the aroma of chicken sizzling over a hot grill, especially when it’s seasoned with the bright, fresh flavors of Mediterranean cooking.

This Greek Grilled Chicken combines extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, Greek seasoning, and dried oregano in a simple marinade that brings delicious flavor to every bite.

The chicken breasts are lightly scored before marinating, allowing the seasonings to coat more of the surface. Once grilled, they’re juicy, tender, and full of citrusy, herb-infused flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: Olive oil, lemon, oregano, and Greek seasoning create a flavorful marinade without a long shopping list.

Fresh Mediterranean flavors: The combination of citrus and herbs gives the chicken a bright, savory finish.

Perfect for outdoor grilling: The chicken develops a lightly charred exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Versatile for serving: Enjoy it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or warm pita bread.

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If you enjoy the flavors of Greek cooking, try our Greek Chicken Meatball Gyros⁠, another delicious way to bring Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your dinner table.

What Makes a Greek-Style Chicken Marinade So Flavorful?

Greek-style marinades often combine olive oil, lemon, oregano, and aromatic seasonings. Each ingredient contributes something different to the finished dish.

Extra-virgin olive oil helps distribute the seasonings and coats the chicken during grilling. Fresh lemon juice provides a pleasant acidity, while lemon zest adds concentrated citrus aroma without extra sourness.

Dried oregano contributes a slightly earthy, peppery flavor that complements grilled chicken particularly well. Greek seasoning brings additional savory notes, depending on the herbs and spices in the blend.

Together, these ingredients create a balanced marinade that enhances the chicken without overwhelming its natural flavor.

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To learn more about how marinades add flavor and influence the texture of meat, read our guide, What Are The Benefits of Marinating Meat.

Why Score the Chicken Before Marinating?

Making shallow cuts across the chicken breasts exposes more surface area to the marinade and helps the seasonings reach into the cuts.

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The key is to make shallow slits without cutting all the way through the meat. This simple preparation method also gives the finished chicken an attractive appearance.

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For another Greek-inspired dinner, explore our Greek Chicken Meatballs With Spinach Orzo & Tzatziki Dipping Sauce⁠.

Greek Grilled Chicken

Fresh lemon, olive oil, and oregano give these grilled chicken breasts their delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavor. A short marinade and a hot grill are all you need for a satisfying homemade dinner.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: Up to 3 hours

Cook Time: Approximately 25 minutes for thick chicken breasts

Servings: 6

Cooking Method: Outdoor grill

Ingredients

For the Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Marinade

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon Greek seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt

Dash black pepper

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Need a substitution? View our kitchen swaps reference guide for smart, flavor-forward ingredient swaps — covering aromatics, pantry staples, dairy, proteins, and more.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, make shallow crosswise slits in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.

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2. Make the Marinade

In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Greek seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

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Stir until the ingredients are well combined.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl, layering them as needed. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.

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Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 hours.

4. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your outdoor grill. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and reduce the flame to maintain a steady cooking temperature.

Turn the chicken approximately every 4 minutes to promote even cooking.

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Thicker chicken breasts may take around 25 minutes, depending on their size and the grill temperature.

Cook until the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.

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How to Serve Greek Grilled Chicken

The bright lemon and oregano flavors make this chicken especially delicious with fresh vegetables, creamy potatoes, and crisp salads.

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For a refreshing side dish, explore our 15 Fresh and Flavorful Side Salads for Every Occasion⁠. A crisp salad provides a pleasant contrast to the savory grilled chicken.

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If you’re looking for something warm and comforting, our Mashed Potato Recipes collection offers delicious ways to round out the meal.

For a lighter Mediterranean-inspired dinner, serve the chicken with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a spoonful of tzatziki.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and use within 3 to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheat gently until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Slicing leftover chicken also makes it easy to add to salads, wraps, and grain bowls.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work well with the same marinade, although their grilling time may differ. Cook them until they reach a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

The original recipe calls for marinating the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours. Because the marinade contains a generous amount of lemon juice, there’s no need to leave it overnight.

Can I cook this chicken without an outdoor grill?

Yes. A stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet can work well. Cook over controlled heat, turning as needed, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the marinade ahead of time and refrigerate it separately in a covered container. Stir before adding it to the chicken.

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More Greek-Inspired Recipes

Love the fresh flavors of Greek cooking? Try our Greek Yogurt Dill Spread with Ham and Red Cabbage on Crisp Bread⁠.

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The creamy dill spread, crisp cabbage, and savory ham make a delicious combination for lunch or a light meal.

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Looking for something else to cook? Visit the Recipe Index to explore more recipes by ingredient, meal and cooking style.

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