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Juicy Greek Chicken

Juicy Greek chicken is made with a lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme marinade for tender, flavorful grilled meat. Grill until the chicken hits 165°F for juicy results, then rest briefly so the juices settle.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
marinating 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Juicy Greek Chicken
  • 2.5 lb chicken pieces Use bone-in or boneless pieces for best flavor and consistent grilling time.
  • 0.333 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice
  • 1 lemons (zest) Zest 2 lemons.
  • 4 garlic cloves Minced garlic (about 4 cloves).
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or dried oregano) Use 2 tbsp fresh oregano, or 1 tbsp dried oregano.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 salt To taste.
  • 1 black pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the marinade
  1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Marinate
  1. Add chicken pieces to a container and pour marinade over them, turning to coat; marinate for 4 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Grill the chicken
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high and place chicken on the grate, grilling until internal temperature reaches 165°F, turning once for even browning.
Rest and serve
  1. Transfer chicken to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before serving to help juices redistribute.

Notes

For maximum juiciness, keep chicken covered and refrigerated while marinating; if you’re grilling bone-in pieces, plan closer to the high end of grill time until 165°F is reached. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days; freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. For a lighter option, use 2 tablespoons olive oil and increase with lemon juice to maintain flavor with less fat.