Description
This vibrant Greek Chicken Marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs to infuse tender chicken with bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing, it enhances up to 2 pounds of chicken with a zesty and aromatic blend that pairs wonderfully with any cooking method.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Combine the Marinade: In a medium bowl or a resealable plastic bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and lemon zest until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add your choice of chicken pieces—breasts, thighs, or drumsticks—into the marinade. Turn the chicken thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor, let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours, but do not exceed 8 hours to avoid breakdown of the meat texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the chicken using your preferred method such as grilling, baking, or sautéing. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Optionally, brush reserved marinade (set aside before adding raw chicken) onto the chicken while cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
Notes
- This marinade is designed for up to 2 pounds of chicken.
- Do not marinate chicken longer than 8 hours to prevent the citrus acids from breaking down the meat excessively.
- Reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken to brush onto the meat during cooking for added moisture and flavor.