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Greek Chicken Marinade

A delightful and flavorful Greek Chicken Marinade that infuses chicken with aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic for a Mediterranean experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 cloves large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 piece lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken (thighs, legs, breast, or any cut you’d like)

Method
 

Make the Marinade
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, sweet paprika, fresh thyme, and chopped parsley.
  2. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, followed by the zest and juice of the lemon. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. Whisk the mixture until well combined and taste for seasoning.
Add the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade, using tongs to toss it thoroughly to coat.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Cook the Chicken on the Grill
  1. Preheat your gas grill or indoor griddle to medium heat.
  2. Grill the marinated chicken in a single layer for about 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  3. Remove from the grill and tent with foil for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Bake the Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Arrange the chicken pieces in a baking dish, pouring any remaining marinade over the top.
  3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until fully cooked, approximately another 10 to 15 minutes.
Rest and Serve
  1. Take the chicken out of the oven and cover with foil for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade. If short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade is still effective. You can substitute sweet paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.