Very Greek Grilled Chicken

This Very Greek Grilled Chicken recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a taste of Greece in your own backyard. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served on its own, in salads, or in wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of any skill level.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon, olive oil, and Greek spices creates a mouth-watering taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or use it in salads, tacos, or bowls for quick meals throughout the week.
• Healthy Option: This grilled chicken is packed with protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a nutritious choice for any meal plan.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate overnight for deeper flavor, allowing you to plan ahead for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking your Very Greek Grilled Chicken, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Ziploc bag
• Colander
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect charred flavor. It ensures even cooking while allowing excess fat to drip away.
• Ziploc bag: Ideal for marinating chicken without mess. It helps ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the safe temperature of 165F/75C without overcooking.

Ingredients

This Very Greek Grilled Chicken has all the flavors of Greek Chicken Souvlaki in a grilled chicken breast.

Main Ingredients

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp. (or more) fresh lemon zest (see notes)

Seasoning Ingredients

• 1 tsp. Greek Seasoning
• 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• black pepper to taste

How to Make Very Greek Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If you’re not that experienced grilling chicken, you might want to read How to Make Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts before you make this.
2. Trim all visible fat and membranes from chicken breasts.
3. Make small crosswise slits about 1/2 inch apart down the length of each chicken breast to help the marinade penetrate.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place chicken in a single layer in a Ziploc bag.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek Seasoning, Poultry Seasoning, Dried Greek Oregano, and black pepper to create the marinade.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag and seal it tightly.
4. Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours or all day if desired. If time is short, increase the lemon juice slightly.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. When ready to cook, dump chicken and marinade into a colander placed in the sink; let drain and come to room temperature if possible.
2. Preheat your grill by spraying it with non-stick spray or oil; set it to medium-high heat.
3. Place chicken on grill top side down on an angle (diagonal) to grill grates; cook about 4 minutes until grill marks appear when lifted.
4. Rotate chicken pieces diagonally the other way; cook another 4 minutes until criss-cross grill marks form.
5. Flip chicken over; cook about 4-8 minutes on this side until firm but not hard when pressed with fingers.

Step 4: Check Doneness

1. Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer if you have one; aim for an internal temperature of 165F/75C for safety.
2. Consider making extra grilled chicken since leftovers are excellent atop salads or mixed into stir-fried veggies for quick lunches.

Enjoy this delightful Very Greek Grilled Chicken recipe at your next gathering or as part of your weekly meal prep!

How to Serve Very Greek Grilled Chicken

Very Greek Grilled Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and toppings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Fresh Greek Salad

• Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onions, and olives tossed in a light dressing complement the grilled chicken nicely.

Tzatziki Sauce

• A creamy yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers and garlic adds a refreshing touch to the chicken’s rich flavors.

Grilled Vegetables

• Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled in olive oil and grilled until tender bring out the Mediterranean essence of the dish.

Quinoa Pilaf

• Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs and lemon zest provides a nutritious and flavorful base for the chicken.

Pita Bread

• Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping around pieces of chicken or scooping up dips like tzatziki.

Lemon Rice

• Aromatic lemon-infused rice serves as a bright side that balances the grilled chicken’s savory notes.

How to Perfect Very Greek Grilled Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Very Greek Grilled Chicken, keep these tips in mind:

• Marinate for flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 6-8 hours helps infuse it with deep flavors.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and citrus yield better flavor than dried or bottled alternatives.
• Preheat the grill: Ensuring your grill is hot before cooking helps achieve those perfect grill marks and prevents sticking.
• Check doneness: Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F/75C for safety.
• Rest after cooking: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling keeps it juicy and enhances its flavor.
• Make extra: Prepare additional chicken for leftovers; it’s great in salads, wraps, or stir-fries.

Best Side Dishes for Very Greek Grilled Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Very Greek Grilled Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Greek Orzo Salad: A delightful blend of orzo pasta, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with oregano and garlic make a hearty complement to the chicken.
3. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous combined with vegetables offers a light yet satisfying side.
4. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds color and nutrients to your plate.
5. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with pita chips and veggies creates an inviting appetizer or side.
6. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring chickpeas, parsley, lemon juice, and spices rounds out the meal perfectly.
7. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a fresh twist.
8. Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing salad made from bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice adds brightness to your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Very Greek Grilled Chicken, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough marinating time can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 6 hours for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many chicken breasts on the grill can lower the temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Failing to preheat your grill can cause the chicken to stick and cook unevenly. Always preheat to medium-high before adding your chicken.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Cooking without checking the internal temperature may lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
• Cutting Chicken Too Soon: Slicing into grilled chicken immediately can release juices, making it dry. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting.
• Using Cold Chicken from the Fridge: Cooking cold chicken directly from the fridge can result in uneven cooking. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Very Greek Grilled Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Very Greek Grilled Chicken

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Very Greek Grilled Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Sauté the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Very Greek Grilled Chicken.

How do I ensure my Very Greek Grilled Chicken is juicy?

To achieve juicy chicken, marinate it long enough and avoid overcooking it. Using an instant-read thermometer will help you cook it perfectly.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey breasts work great as a substitute in this recipe while maintaining all the delicious flavors.

What sides pair well with Very Greek Grilled Chicken?

Serve it with a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Can I adjust the spices used in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to customize the spice levels by adjusting the amount of Greek seasoning and oregano according to your taste preferences.

How long should I marinate my chicken?

For best results, marinate your chicken for at least 6 hours but up to a full day if you have time.

Final Thoughts

Very Greek Grilled Chicken is not only packed with vibrant flavors but also incredibly versatile. Use leftovers in salads, wraps, or stir-fries for quick meals. Don’t hesitate to customize the marinade by trying different herbs or citrus juices. Enjoy this delicious dish at your next gathering!