Greek Marinated Chicken

Name: Greek Marinated Chicken
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt ($0.63); 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32); 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.32); 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano ($0.08); 1 medium lemon ($0.49); 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02); freshly cracked pepper ($0.05); 1/4 bunch fresh parsley ($0.20); 3 1/2 to 4 lbs chicken pieces ($6.86)

$8.97 recipe / $1.12 serving

by Beth Moncel

published Jun 22, 2013

4.59 from 165 votes

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Need something easy and flavorful to throw on the grill this weekend? This Greek Marinated Chicken is it.

The marinade for this chicken (similar to what I used for this Chicken Shawarma ) takes just a few minutes to stir together and creates an absolute explosion of flavor. It’s incredible. I only marinated my chicken in this magical mix for 30 minutes, but the flavor was still loud and clear. Once marinated, you can grill the chicken outdoors over a gas or charcoal flame, or (if you don’t have a grill) you can bake it in the oven. Either way, you’ll get a super flavorful and moist end product.

I served this Greek Marinated Chicken with my Lemony Cucumber and Couscous Salad, which was the perfect cold summer side, and incorporated both starches and vegetables into the meal. Two birds with one stone!

Greek Marinated Chicken

Three pieces of Greek Marinated Chicken on a plate

Greek Marinated Chicken

4.59 from 165 votes

A tangy lemon and garlic marinade makes this Greek Marinated Chicken super fast and flavorful. Cook it in the oven or on a grill.

Author: Beth Moncel

A trio of Greek marinated chicken served on a platter.

Servings 8 pieces

Prep 45

Cook 1

Total 1 45

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Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt ($0.63)
2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32)
4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.32)
1/2 Tbsp dried oregano ($0.08)
1 medium lemon ($0.49)
1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
freshly cracked pepper ($0.05)
1/4 bunch fresh parsley ($0.20)
3 1/2 to 4 lbs chicken pieces ($6.86)

Instructions

To make the marinade, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper in a bowl. Use a fine holed cheese grater or a zester to scrape the thin layer of yellow zest from the lemon skin into the bowl. Also add the juice from half of the lemon (about 1-2 Tbsp). Stir until the ingredients are well combined. Roughly chop a big handful, or about 1/4 bunch, of parsley and stir it into the marinade.
Add the chicken pieces and marinade to a gallon sized zip top bag. Remove as much air as possible, close the bag tightly, and massage the bag to mix the contents and make sure the chicken is well coated. Refrigerate the bag for 30 minutes.
After marinating for 30 minutes, either cook the chicken on a grill OR preheat the oven to 375 degrees in preparation to bake the chicken.
To bake the chicken, place the chicken pieces in a large casserole dish (9×13). Bake the chicken in the preheated 375 degree oven for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

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Notes

This recipe is extra garlicky. If you’re not into heavy garlic, try starting with two cloves instead of four.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 566.34kcalCarbohydrates: 3.49gProtein: 52.26gFat: 38.58gSodium: 950.88mgFiber: 0.53g

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Top view of three pieces of marinated chicken on a plate

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Top view of a plate with one piece of chicken and a side salad

Step by Step Photos for Greek Marinated Chicken

First prepare the marinade. Combine the yogurt, olive oil, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper in a bowl. Add the zest from one lemon and the juice from about half of it (1-2 Tbsp). Stir these ingredients until well combined.

Finished Marinade for Greek Marinated Chicken

Add a handful, or about 1/4 bunch, of roughly chopped parsley. This is your finished marinade (or a REALLY awesome dip!).

two packages of chicken pieces for Greek Marinated Chicken

I used about 3.75 pounds of chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs). You could easily half this Greek Marinated Chicken recipe, if needed.

Add the chicken pieces and the marinade to a large, gallon-sized zip top bag and mix it around to make sure the chicken is well coated. Refrigerate the bag for 30 minutes.

marinated chicken placed in baking dish ready to bake

After marinating, you can either grill the chicken or bake it. I don’t have an outdoor grill, so I decided to bake it. Place the chicken pieces in a large casserole dish. I ended up pouring the extra marinade over top, but later realized that this just made it take longer to brown, so I don’t suggest doing so. There is plenty of flavor in the marinade that you won’t need to add the extra.

Bake the chicken in a preheated 375 degree oven for 45-60 minutes, or until it is golden brown. It will smell SO good! Now eat!

Plate with one piece of marinated chicken and a side salad

I served this Greek Marinated Chicken with my Lemony Cucumber and Couscous salad and it was PERFECT! :D

Greek Marinated Chicken is flavored with a garlicky lemon and yogurt marinade and baked (or grilled) till tender. BudgetBytes.com

Posted in: Baked Chicken Recipes, Chicken Breast Recipes, Chicken Recipes, Chicken Thigh Recipes, Globally Inspired Recipes, Gluten free Recipes, Main Dish Recipes, Meat Recipes, Mediterranean Inspired Recipes, Recipes under $10, Under $1.50 per serving

Beth MoncelI’m a food lover, number cruncher, and meticulous budgeter. I love science and art, and the way they come together when I cook. I love to create, problem solve, and learn new things. Making great food is my passion, my purpose, and my favorite thing to share with others.More About Beth

Greek Marinated Chicken

Greek Marinated Chicken