The Greek Chicken Recipe We Can't Stop Eating

If you're anything like us, you need a solid go-to chicken recipe in your back pocket. One that’s flavorful, easy to make, and works for everything—from meal prep to quick weeknight dinners. Enter: this Greek chicken recipe. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts (or thighs, if that's your thing) soak up a simple yet powerful Greek-inspired marinade, packed with fresh lemon juice, buttermilk, and flavorful spices.

Why You'll Love This Marinated Chicken Recipe

• Big flavors, simple ingredients – No complicated steps, just a flavorful Greek chicken that delivers every time.
• Versatile – Serve it in Greek chicken bowls, with pita bread and tzatziki sauce, or chopped up in salads.
• Meal prep-friendly – Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy Greek lemon chicken all week long.

The Secret to Flavorful Chicken

The key to nailing this dish? The marinade. A good Greek chicken recipe lives and dies by its marinade, and this one hits all the right notes—tangy, garlicky, herbaceous, and just the right amount of creamy. Here’s what you need (find quantities in the recipe card) :

Greek Chicken Marinade Ingredients 

• Buttermilk – Helps tenderize the chicken and locks in moisture.
• Fresh lemon juice – Brightens everything up and adds that signature Greek food zing. You can also plate the chicken with some lemon slices!
• Olive oil – For richness and to keep the chicken juicy.
• Garlic – Because what’s Greek food without garlic?
• Dried oregano & smoked paprika – Classic herbs that bring major flavor.
• Salt & black pepper – Enhances everything. 

How to Make This Easy Greek Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 12 hours.

In a large baking dish, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients.

Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and coat evenly.

Cover and refrigerate.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding into bite-sized pieces and combining with the sauce it baked in.

Step 3: Serve

Once your flavorful Greek chicken is ready, here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

Meal prep magic – Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and use throughout the week.

In a Greek chicken gyros – Stuff it into warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and red onion.

As a protein-packed bowl – Pair it with quinoa, cucumber, feta, and olives.

With a fresh Greek salad – Slice and toss over crisp greens with a drizzle of olive oil.

Some of My Favorite Chicken Recipes

Chicken is such a versatile protein, here are some of my favorite ways to marinate and cook chicken:

How long should I marinate Greek chicken?

For the best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is ideal. Overnight? Even better.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What’s the best way to reheat Greek chicken?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it dries it out fast!

Is this Greek chicken recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze the marinated chicken raw or store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.