If you’re looking for a simple Greek chicken marinade that delivers big flavour with minimal effort, this one is hard to beat. Using olive oil, lemon and Greek Seasoning, it creates tender, aromatic chicken that works just as well on the barbecue as it does in the oven or pan. It’s a flexible, everyday recipe that brings classic Mediterranean flavours into easy home cooking.
Easy Greek Chicken Marinade
This simple recipe is highly versatile and works well with chicken, lamb, seafood, tofu or vegetables. It uses our Greek Seasoning, a fragrant blend of herbs, garlic and sumac designed for everyday Mediterranean cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick to make with pantry staples you likely already have
- Light, fresh and aromatic – perfect for everyday cooking
- Highlights the herbs and citrus notes of Greek seasoning
- Versatile enough for pan, oven or BBQ cooking
- Easy to adapt with extra lemon, garlic or chilli
- Naturally dairy-free and great for warm-weather meals
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- chicken thighs or breast fillets
- olive oil
- Greek Seasoning
- lemon zest and juice
Method
Marinate
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, Greek Seasoning, lemon zest and lemon juice. Add the chicken and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
Cook
Pan: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook until golden and cooked through.
Oven: Roast at 200°C for 20 minutes, turning once (35-40 minutes for bone-in chicken).
BBQ: Grill over medium heat until lightly charred and cooked through.
Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving ideas
- Slice and servewith Greek salad and flatbreads
- Add to wraps with yoghurt sauce and fresh herbs
- Pair with roast potatoes or lemony vegetables
- Use leftovers in grain bowls or salads
Tips for success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and good quality extra virgin olive oil are key to an authentic taste.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 4 to 12 hours for a deeper flavour. Avoid marinating lean meats like chicken breast in citrus for more than 4 hours, as the acid can change the texture. Marinate fish or seafood for a shorter time, around 30 minutes to 1 hour, to preserve the delicate texture.
Substitutions and variations
- Add crushed garlic or chilli flakes for extra punch
- Swap lemon for red wine vinegar for a deeper flavour
- Works beautifully with tofu, mushrooms or cauliflower
- Prefer a creamier marinade? Try our Greek yoghurt chicken marinade for extra tenderness and flavour.*
* Which marinade should I choose?
Both marinades use the same Greek flavour base – the difference comes down to texture, timing and how you plan to cook.
Choose the Olive Oil Greek Chicken Marinade if:
- You want a lighter, fresher finish
- You’re cooking quickly on a hot pan or BBQ
- You prefer a dairy-free option
- You’re after a classic, everyday Greek flavour
- You want a marinade that works across chicken, veg or seafood
Choose the Greek Yoghurt Chicken Marinade if:
- You want extra-tender, juicy chicken
- You’re cooking for guests and want reliable results
- You like a slightly richer, more savoury coating
- You’re grilling or roasting and want flavour that really clings
Can’t decide? Try both. The olive oil version is perfect for quick meals, while the yoghurt marinade shines when you’ve got a little more time or want something extra special.
Why Greek Seasoning
Our Greek Seasoning (Spice Blend) is an aromatic blend of herbs and spices that builds flavour without overpowering. It contains garlic powder, basil, oregano, sumac, salt, rosemary, dill, parsley, marjoram, black pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Hand-crafted in Tasmania using all-natural ingredients, with no fillers or anti-caking agents.
FAQs
Can I use chicken drumsticks, breast or thighs?
Does Greek seasoning already contain salt?
Can this be cooked on the BBQ?
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian or plant-based cooking?
Have You Tried This Recipe?
If you whip up some greek chicken marinade, I’d love to hear how itturned out! Did you make them for a special occasion or for a family meal? Did you cook it in the pan, oven or BBQ? Tell me in the comments below – I read every one – or give the recipe a rating.
And if you’re loving our Greek Seasoning, please consider leaving a quick review on the product page. Your feedback helps small businesses like mine thrive (and it will make my day too!).
Greek Chicken Marinade (Easy)
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs or breast fillets
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1-2 Tbsp Greek Seasoning
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, Greek Seasoning, lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken and toss well to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
Cook:
- Pan: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Oven: Roast at 200°C for 20 minutes, turning once. 35-40 minutes for bone-in chicken cuts
- BBQ: Grill over medium heat until lightly charred and cooked through.
- Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips for success:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and good quality extra virgin olive oil are key to an authentic taste. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 4 to 12 hours for a deeper flavour. Avoid marinating lean meats like chicken breast in citrus for more than 4 hours, as the acid can change the texture. Seafood/Fish: Marinate for a shorter time, around 30 minutes to 1 hour, to preserve the delicate texture.Serving ideas:
- Slice and serve with Greek salad and flatbreads
- Add to wraps with yoghurt sauce and fresh herbs
- Pair with roast potatoes or lemony vegetables
- Use leftovers in grain bowls or salads
Tips & variations:
- Add crushed garlic or chilli flakes for extra punch
- Swap lemon for red wine vinegar for a deeper flavour
- Works beautifully with tofu, mushrooms or cauliflower
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