Description
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken features juicy, tender boneless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a bright blend of lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, thyme, and olive oil, then perfectly grilled to lock in flavor. It’s served alongside a creamy, refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and fresh dill, offering a quintessential Mediterranean taste that’s perfect for a healthy, high-protein main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally for 2 to 4 hours to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine Greek yogurt, finely grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for perfect grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safely cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it with the chilled creamy tzatziki, lemon wedges, and optional accompaniments such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a satisfying Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide a juicier and more flavorful option compared to breasts.
- Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- This dish complements pita bread, Greek salad, rice, or roasted potatoes beautifully, making it versatile for various sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
