Rating: 3.78
(111)

Greek Lemon Chicken

February 8, 2024

Greek lemon chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with the refreshing zest of lemon, complemented by aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for a light, yet satisfying meal, and it brings a Mediterranean flair to your dinner table. Whether you roast, grill, or pan-sear the chicken, the result is always a tender, flavorful dish that’s full of character.

The key to this dish is the marinade, which infuses the chicken with layers of bright, tangy flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest serve as the primary components of the marinade, giving the chicken a citrusy zing that perfectly balances the richness of the meat. To enhance the flavor, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and thyme are added, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This blend of ingredients creates a well-rounded, herbaceous marinade that soaks into the chicken, tenderizing it while adding vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

The chicken can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or up to a few hours for deeper flavor. Once marinated, the chicken can be roasted in the oven, grilled on the barbecue, or cooked in a skillet. The lemony marinade caramelizes as the chicken cooks, creating a beautifully golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and light, with the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and savory depth.

Greek lemon chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. It can be served alongside a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or couscous for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. You can also pair it with tzatziki sauce for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess.

This dish is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or serving it at a dinner party, Greek lemon chicken is sure to impress with its zesty, aromatic taste and tender texture.

Not only is Greek Lemon Chicken delicious, but it is also a healthy choice for a meal. Chicken is a lean protein source, and when combined with lemon and herbs, it creates a nutritious and flavorful dish. Lemons are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, adding a boost to your immune system. The olive oil used in cooking the chicken is a heart-healthy fat that can help lower cholesterol levels.

Greek Lemon Chicken
Greek Lemon Chicken
3.78 from 111 votes
A delicious and flavorful Greek-inspired lemon chicken recipe.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Lemon juices
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme dried
  • 1 tsp rosemary dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Lemon sliced
  • parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken to coat it evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
  • Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sliced lemon and chopped parsley.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 40gFat: 12gFiber: 1g
Calories: 300kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: chicken, chicken recipes, greek cuisine
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead and if so, how will this change the cooking time. I will only need two chicken breasts. Thank you.

  2. User avatar vincent.armstrong1973 says:

    2 stars
    We tried this last night and it was meh. Like, lemon was there but not enough seasoning deep inside. Maybe my grill was too hot? Still, edible.

  3. User avatar tory.turcotte93 says:

    1 star
    Uh, is it supposed to be grilled? I baked mine and it was dry. 🥴

    1. User avatar Michael83 says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, grilling is the way to go! You won’t get that juicy flavor if you bake it. 🤷‍♂️

  4. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! The chicken was so juicy and flavorful. 😍

  5. User avatar frederick.klein49 says:

    5 stars
    Luv it!! Simple and delish. Also, anyone can make it, seriously!

  6. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but a bit too sour for my taste. I think I would cut down on the lemon next time.

    1. User avatar Ardath Schulist says:

      4 stars
      I disagree, I think it was perfectly tangy! The lemon gives it a refreshing kick. But hey, to each their own!

  7. User avatar benedict.ruecker82 says:

    5 stars
    Perfect for summer BBQs! Made it last weekend and everyone loved it.

  8. User avatar Ganondorf says:

    4 stars
    The ingredient list says “2 Lemon juices” which is weird wording—did you mean 2 lemons or 2 tablespoons? I used 2 lemons and it was a bit much, so measure carefully.

  9. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    2 stars
    Geese lemon chicken? My uncle says it ain’t a real dish if it ain’t fried!

  10. 3 stars
    I forgot to discard the extra marinade and just drizzled it at the end… I mean it tasted fine, but still not sure if that’s safe. Next time I’ll follow steps exactly.

  11. 5 stars
    This was amazing! The lemon really made it pop. Will definitely make again!

    1. 5 stars
      So glad you enjoyed it! Lemon really does make a difference! 🍋

  12. User avatar Arthur Philip Deodat says:

    3 stars
    It was alright, but I found it a bit too lemony for my taste. 🥴

    1. 4 stars
      I love a good lemon flavor! 🍋 Maybe try using less lemon juice next time?

    2. 3 stars
      Too lemony? Nah, that’s the whole point of this dish! Just add more olive oil next time, it balances it out.

  13. 2 stars
    Chicken came out a little dry for me. I think I overgrilled or my breasts were thicker than expected.

  14. User avatar Tim Kirlin says:

    3 stars
    Chicken breast is too bland. I prefer thighs. Anyone else feel this way?

  15. User avatar casey.ullrich96 says:

    3 stars
    I’m skeptical about grilling 6-8 minutes per side for all chicken breast sizes. Thicker ones usually need more time—would’ve liked a thickness note.

  16. User avatar Eldridge Walsh says:

    5 stars
    Wow, grilling this chicken was super easy! Definitely making it again!

  17. User avatar lakenya.medhurst1 says:

    5 stars
    The dried rosemary + thyme is a great flavor mix. I added extra pepper and it really popped. Will make again.

  18. User avatar alana.zulauf says:

    2 stars
    Why grill so hot? Wouldn’t it dry out? I tried it and my chicken was kinda chewy. Maybe my grill was too intense, but I’m skeptical.

  19. User avatar Hwi Noree says:

    2 stars
    It turned out dry… I followed the recipe but not sure what went wrong.

    1. User avatar marylee.lemke16 says:

      3 stars
      Dry chicken? Sounds like you overcooked it. Grill time is key!

    2. User avatar elda.little71 says:

      4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Maybe try marinating longer next time? Helps with moisture.

  20. User avatar julius.lynch1983 says:

    2 stars
    I tried it but it wasn’t so great. A bit too tangy for my liking.

  21. User avatar willene.larson1964 says:

    4 stars
    So simple. Next time I’m adding a little honey or something for caramelization, but the base recipe is solid.

  22. 4 stars
    I can’t cook, but my husband made this and it was delicious! Even my picky kids ate it!

    1. User avatar andres.rolfson2010 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome to hear! It’s great when a recipe can please even the picky eaters. Your husband did a fantastic job!

    2. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      4 stars
      Wow, if your husband can make it, maybe I can too! But I ain’t got no grill. Can it be done in the oven?

  23. User avatar davis.schuster55 says:

    3 stars
    Greek lemon chicken? Where’s the feta? 🤔

    1. User avatar elijah.bartell85 says:

      2 stars
      But Greek food should have feta! It’s like, a rule or something. 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar ha.cronin1968 says:

      5 stars
      I think the lemon chicken is great without feta! It’s all about the marinade. 😋

  24. User avatar jacqualine.crona2007 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Yum! Yum! 🍋🍗

  25. User avatar hugo.jaskolski48 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have fresh herbs, so I used dried ones. Still good but fresh must be better.

  26. 4 stars
    Really good, but I’d say 6–8 minutes per side depends on thickness. Mine was thinner and I overcooked a bit. Still tasty though—will make again.

    1. User avatar wellRespected says:

      5 stars
      Good call on the timing! Thicker breasts definitely need longer—mine always comes out different depending on the cut. Glad it was still tasty though.

  27. 5 stars
    This recipe was so easy! The lemon flavor really comes through. My kids loved it!

  28. 4 stars
    Tastes good but 30 minutes feels kinda short for the garlic flavor. Next time I’ll do longer, for sure.

  29. User avatar Tommy Walter says:

    5 stars
    This looks bright and fresh—love the lemon + oregano combo. I marinated it overnight and it grilled up super juicy.

  30. 5 stars
    Quick, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser! Can’t ask for more. 😍

    1. User avatar Johnson Altenwerth says:

      5 stars
      I made this for my family last night and everyone loved it! So easy to make. Thank you! 😊

  31. 1 star
    Isn’t olive oil bad for you? Why are we using it?

  32. 5 stars
    This recipe is a total winner! I served it at a dinner party and everyone loved it!

  33. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    2 stars
    Why do you need all those herbs? Chicken’s fine with just salt and pepper if you ask me.

  34. User avatar janee.witting says:

    5 stars
    I followed it pretty closely, except I used fresh rosemary because I had it. The flavor tasted very authentic Greek-ish. Garnish with lemon and parsley is a must.

  35. 4 stars
    So easy to make! I love grilling chicken, and this recipe is a keeper. So delish!

  36. 4 stars
    So easy! Just throw it on the grill and you’re done. A must-try for busy weeknights!

    1. User avatar edmund.kemmer3 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it was super yummy! Super easy just like you said. 👏

  37. User avatar aurelio.mayer59 says:

    4 stars
    Easiest chicken recipe ever! I can’t grill well, but this turned out fantastic!

    1. User avatar Arthur Philip Deodat says:

      4 stars
      I tried this recipe too! It was really good but I used lime instead of lemon. Still turned out great!

  38. User avatar louis.volkman1961 says:

    3 stars
    Not sure about the amount of lemon—mine came out a little too tangy. Next time I’ll reduce lemon juice or add more olive oil. Otherwise the seasoning was nice.

  39. 3 stars
    Not gonna lie, the rosemary flavor was a little overpowering for me. Maybe I’ll cut it down to 1/2 tsp next time. Everything else was good.

    1. 5 stars
      I totally get that—dried rosemary can be pretty strong. Cutting it down to 1/2 tsp sounds like the move. Glad everything else still came out good!

  40. User avatar avis.padberg1983 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make. I love how it tastes! Will definitely make again!

  41. User avatar anton.macejkovic20 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t like lemon, but my hubby loved it. So, kinda mixed feelings on this one.

  42. User avatar eleni.macejkovic says:

    5 stars
    Yum!! My whole family loved it. I added some bell peppers on the grill too!

  43. 4 stars
    Pretty solid recipe, but I think 6–8 minutes per side might depend a lot on thickness. Mine took closer to 10 minutes and the timing was way off.

  44. User avatar lavern.lubowitz93 says:

    2 stars
    My chicken came out a little dry, but the flavor was still amazing. I think I may have overcooked it while chasing the 165°F mark.

  45. User avatar waltraud.ohara81 says:

    4 stars
    Really yummy! I added a bit of honey for some sweetness. Will make again!

    1. User avatar stacee.daugherty says:

      5 stars
      Glad you liked it! Honey is a great addition! 🍯

  46. 5 stars
    Yum. Simple and tasty.

  47. User avatar Grìma Wormtongue says:

    5 stars
    This is like, the best chicken ever! I don’t usually follow recipes, but this is a must!

  48. User avatar antione.upton says:

    1 star
    What is thyme? Can I use parsley instead? 🤔

    1. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

      3 stars
      What’s thyme? 🤷‍♂️ Is it like spicy? Parsley is good, I guess, just won’t be the same as thyme. But try what ya want! 😄

    2. 4 stars
      Thyme is a herb that adds a nice flavor to dishes! You can substitute parsley, but it will taste different. Thyme has a more earthy flavor. 😊

  49. User avatar meryl.funk1954 says:

    2 stars
    Why does everyone act like it’s the best ever? I mean, it’s just grilled chicken. Come on!

  50. 1 star
    I hate lemon. Why do you have to put it in everything? 🤷‍♂️

  51. User avatar Frost Atronach says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is the best! Turned out so juicy and flavorful. My whole family loved it!

    1. User avatar Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you loved it! It’s a family favorite in our house too. The marinade makes all the difference!

  52. User avatar Rena Volkman says:

    5 stars
    Delish!! My fam is picky and they devoured this. Thanks for sharing! 🍽️

  53. User avatar chung.senger says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing!! Perfect for summer BBQs!

    1. User avatar Feral Falmer says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! This recipe is a hit at my summer BBQs too. Thanks for sharing!

  54. User avatar xavier.gibson says:

    3 stars
    Wait—“2 Lemon juices”?? Like juice from 2 lemons? I used one big lemon and it was still good, but I think the wording is confusing.

  55. 3 stars
    Kinda bland for me. I added some chili flakes but it still didn’t have that kick. Maybe it’s just my taste.

  56. User avatar sebastian.rau1973 says:

    5 stars
    Super easy to follow! I had this on a camping trip, and everyone loved it! Definitely making again! 🌟

    1. User avatar dewayne.stamm says:

      5 stars
      Glad you loved it! Perfect for camping. I’ll have to try it out on my next trip! 🏕️

  57. User avatar mathWizard says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know, my chicken got burnt. Maybe my grill is too hot? But the flavor was good I guess.

  58. User avatar derek.stokes2025 says:

    2 stars
    I followed the instructions but my chicken was dry. Did I cook it too long? Hmm…

    1. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

      4 stars
      Sounds like it! Overcooking can make chicken super dry. Maybe try checking the temp next time?

  59. User avatar Hasimir Fenring says:

    4 stars
    Followed the steps pretty much exactly. Mine needed like 8-9 minutes per side though—maybe my grill runs hot/cold?

  60. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    5 stars
    Greek Lemon Chicken sounds fancy, but this was actually easy. The garlic + lemon smell while grilling was unreal. 10/10 with a side of rice.

    1. 5 stars
      Agree—this smells AMAZING. I did it with thighs once and it was still juicy. The lemon + garlic combo is doing the heavy lifting 🔥

    2. User avatar tyrone.durgan60 says:

      3 stars
      I tried this but my chicken came out a little dry… think I over-grilled 😕 Also I didnt have dried rosemary so I used some oregano only. Still good though.

  61. 3 stars
    Chicken cooked very well, but I think it needed more seasoning. Salt? Pepper? Who knows? Just a lil bland. 🤷‍♀️

  62. User avatar brett.olson45 says:

    3 stars
    Why discard the excess marinade? Wouldn’t it be fine to brush it while grilling? I didn’t and now I’m overthinking it.

  63. User avatar carl.schamberger34 says:

    2 stars
    meh. Good smell though.

  64. User avatar beatrice.lockman2019 says:

    5 stars
    Mmmm, Greek Lemon Chicken! My favorite! I could eat this every day!

    1. User avatar gerardo.ratke1955 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This chicken is the best! I tried to make it last week and it turned out great! 🍋🐔

  65. User avatar Mr. Fredia Tremblay says:

    3 stars
    Hmm good but i’m confused—do you discard ALL marinade? Step 4 says discard excess, but I almost saved it. Anyway it turned out okay.

  66. User avatar Gag Halfrunt says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The chicken turned out so flavorful and juicy. My whole family loved it!

  67. User avatar colette.zemlak says:

    4 stars
    Greek-ish at home! I’m not Greek but this marinade feels legit. The lemon slices on top are a nice touch.

    1. User avatar josiah.schamberger75 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! The lemon + garlic combo is sooo good. I added a little extra oregano once and it tasted even more “taverna” vibes 😄

    2. User avatar gaylord.nicolas79 says:

      3 stars
      Not gonna lie, 6-8 min per side on medium-high feels risky, mine usually burns before it hits 165. I’d lower the heat a bit or cover it. Still sounds tasty though.

  68. User avatar lynwood.batz says:

    5 stars
    This sounds bright and super flavorful—love the mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary with lemon. I’ll definitely try it on the grill. 😋

    1. User avatar marquis.borer says:

      3 stars
      Not gonna lie, dried rosemary always tastes kinda “piney” to me… but if you slice the lemon and garnish, maybe it balances it out. Do you have to use all the herbs, or can I cut one?

    2. 5 stars
      Yes!! That lemon + oregano/rosemary combo is seriously the move. I’ve done this style on my grill and it always tastes like you cooked way harder than you did 😋

  69. User avatar Trin Tragula says:

    2 stars
    Tried it and my kids didn’t eat it. There was too much lemon. Next time I’ll skip the lemon juice.

  70. User avatar Grandpa Gohan says:

    4 stars
    Simple and easy! I just mixed everything in a bowl since I don’t have a bag. Still came out good! 👍

  71. User avatar Edward Powlowski says:

    2 stars
    This is not how you make chicken! You forgot the marination time. I grill mine for hours! 😂

  72. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night—so bright and herby. The lemon + oregano combo is legit and the chicken stayed juicy on the grill. I did marinate closer to overnight and it really paid off.

  73. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    2 stars
    I don’t understand why you need all these herbs. Just lemon and garlic is enough! 😒

  74. User avatar basementDweller says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I added some chili flakes for a kick and it was delicious! Thanks for sharing!

  75. 3 stars
    I didn’t have all the ingredients, so I used vinegar instead of lemon – was not great. But I think the original would be better!

  76. User avatar lissette.brekke2012 says:

    1 star
    Lemon chicken? More like chicken lemon! Haha!

    1. User avatar ArabianNights says:

      5 stars
      Haha, love the pun! Can’t wait to try this recipe. Sounds delish!

  77. User avatar Fiddlesticks says:

    3 stars
    I accidentally used bottled lemon juice (not fresh) and it still turned out okay—just not as zingy. Cooking time was right on.

  78. User avatar audra.schinner says:

    4 stars
    Pretty solid! I marinated mine longer than 30 minutes and it stayed juicy. Next time I might add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

  79. 5 stars
    This was bright and tangy in the best way—love the oregano/rosemary combo with the lemon. I grilled it and it stayed juicy. Will make again.

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree—lemon + oregano/rosemary is such a winning combo. I also grilled mine and it stayed juicy. Gonna do the sliced lemon on top next time!

    2. User avatar josue.klocko1958 says:

      4 stars
      I tried this, but mine came out a little too tangy—maybe I used too much lemon juice? Still tasty though. Would you recommend adding less lemon or marinating for less time?

3.78 from 111 votes
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