Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a burst of Mediterranean flavor? Dive into the mouthwatering world of "Grilled Chicken Thighs with Greek Marinade," a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of Greece! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick marinade, you can create tender, juicy chicken that’s bursting with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Keep reading to discover how to make this delectable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each thigh is completely coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Place chicken thighs on the hot grill, skin-side down if using bone-in, skin-on thighs. Grill for 6-8 minutes without moving, allowing nice grill marks and caramelization to develop.
- Flip the chicken thighs and continue grilling for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures moist and tender meat.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon wedges before serving. Pair with Greek salad or tzatziki for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight if time permits. This will enhance the flavors and make the chicken even more tender.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) to ensure a perfect sear. A hot grill helps to lock in juices and creates those beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each chicken thigh enough space on the grill to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling, which affects the texture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the grill. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent bite.
- Serve with Authentic Sides: Elevate your meal by serving the grilled chicken with a refreshing Greek salad or a side of tzatziki sauce. These accompaniments enhance the Mediterranean experience and add a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 130mg
