Grilled Greek Chicken: A Flavorful & Healthy Recipe

Grilled Greek chicken is a culinary masterpiece, a dish bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. It’s a healthy and delicious option, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. The combination of lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil creates a marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with an irresistible aroma. This recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful:** The marinade is a symphony of Greek flavors, creating a complex and delicious taste.
* **Healthy:** Grilled chicken is a lean protein source, and the marinade is packed with healthy ingredients.
* **Easy to make:** The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with a variety of sides, such as rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
* **Perfect for meal prep:** Grilled chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering grilled Greek chicken:

* **Chicken:** About 2.5 pounds, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a combination).
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons).
* **Garlic:** 4-5 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Dried Oregano:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1 teaspoon, crushed (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor).
* **Salt:** 1 1/2 teaspoons, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Optional:** 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Bowl or Resealable Bag:** For marinating the chicken.
* **Whisk:** To combine the marinade ingredients.
* **Grill:** Gas or charcoal grill.
* **Tongs:** To handle the chicken on the grill.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect grilled Greek chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences. Remember that the flavor will intensify as the chicken marinates.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bowl with the marinade, or transfer everything to a large resealable bag.
2. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. If using a bowl, turn the chicken to coat all sides. If using a bag, press out as much air as possible and seal the bag tightly.
3. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. However, do not marinate for longer than 8 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture too much, making it mushy.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals so that you have both direct and indirect heat zones. This will allow you to move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if it starts to brown too quickly.
2. Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any food residue. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking oil or cooking spray to further prevent sticking. Use tongs to hold an oil-soaked paper towel and rub it over the grates.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Do not reuse the marinade, as it may contain harmful bacteria from the raw chicken.
2. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on the preheated grill grates, leaving a little space between each piece. This will allow for even cooking.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side for chicken breasts, or 6-8 minutes per side for chicken thighs, depending on their thickness. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
4. Use tongs to flip the chicken carefully. Avoid piercing the chicken with a fork, as this will release juices and make the chicken dry.
5. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly.
6. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and place it on a clean plate or cutting board.
2. Cover the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.
3. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain (if using chicken breasts) for maximum tenderness.
4. Serve the grilled Greek chicken immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips for the Best Grilled Greek Chicken

* **Don’t Over-Marinate:** While marinating is key for flavor, avoid marinating for too long (over 8 hours). The lemon juice can make the chicken’s texture mushy.
* **Pound Chicken Breasts:** If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even thickness before marinating. This ensures even cooking.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature without overcooking it.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the grill. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and result in unevenly cooked chicken.
* **Let it Rest:** Resting the chicken after grilling is crucial for retaining its juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled Greek chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Greek Salad:** A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette is a perfect complement.
* **Rice Pilaf:** Fluffy rice pilaf adds a comforting and satisfying element to the meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** Serve with homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling.
* **Pita Bread:** Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping the chicken and your favorite sides.
* **Lemon Potatoes:** Greek lemon potatoes are a flavorful and tangy side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.
* **Quinoa Salad:** A light and healthy quinoa salad with herbs, vegetables, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Bone-in Chicken:** Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as dill or mint, to customize the flavor.
* **Spicy Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the marinade for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
* **Vinegar:** Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of some of the lemon juice for a different tangy flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** The chicken can be marinated for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. You can also grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Storage:** Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
* **Freezing:** Grilled chicken can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

(Based on 4 servings using chicken breasts)

* Calories: Approximately 300-350
* Protein: 40-45 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Conclusion

Grilled Greek chicken is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So fire up your grill and enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean!