The Best Healthy Chicken Marinade (Greek-Inspired)

Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken! This flavorful recipe incorporates garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, lemon juice and lemon zest to create juicy, tender chicken. Serve it on salads, in bowls or over your favorite pasta or rice!

Sometimes you just need a REALLY great chicken recipe in your back pocket. Scratch that — when do you NOT need a really good chicken recipe in your back pocket?! For this recipe, you’ll want to pick your favorite cut of chicken. I used boneless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs. 

We eat a lot of chicken in the Atha household so I love finding new ways to mix up our routine with new flavors. I love using Greek flavors for inspiration because they are always rich in flavor but tend to be light and healthy!

The marinade ingredients for this super easy recipe are simple ingredients. All you need is: 

• 3 tbsp. olive or avocado oil divided
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small shallot peeled and minced
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• Juice of one lemon

The best part about this recipe is you can marinade the chicken for just 10 minutes. If you like a longer marinade, you can also use an airtight container to make this delicious Greek chicken marinade. I always like to top the chicken with lemon slices as it marinates overnight. I have the full recipe in the recipe card below. This chicken is a great option for salads, bowls, wraps or over your favorite starchy side like my Feta Couscous Salad!

Looking for more easy chicken marinades? Try this one from my blog! Yogurt Marinated Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas

Here’s how you’ll make this Greek-Inspired Chicken Marinade:

1. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest briefly before serving.
2. Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and dice them into even, bite-sized chunks (about 1-inch cubes).
3. In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil and all the remaining ingredients: minced garlic, shallot, dried oregano, paprika, kosher salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Gently mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
4. In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced chicken in a single layer.
5. After a few minutes, gently stir the chicken and continue cooking until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

More healthy chicken recipes!

• Pistachio + Goat Cheese Crusted Chicken
• Caprese Baked Chicken
• Coconut Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
• Spicy Peach BBQ Chicken
• Hibachi Style Chicken and Veggies
• One Pot Mediterranean Chicken
• Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken
• Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken
• Pecan Crusted Dijon Chicken
• Roasted Chicken with Caramelized Onion Sauce

Leftovers? Here’s how to enjoy them!

This recipe isn’t just limited to dinners; it’s also perfect for quick lunches. Use the cooked chicken in salads, bowls, wraps, or even chicken gyros. Pair it with a fresh Greek orzo salad, pita bread, or a green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and dressed with homemade Greek salad dressing.

Savvy tips!

• Marinate for Best Results:  Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it sit for longer (even overnight) in a ziplock or plastic bag will really allow the flavors to soak in. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be!
  
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic cloves, shallots, and lemon juice are key ingredients that enhance the flavor, while freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice depth.
  
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, try not to overcrowd the pan. This helps it cook evenly and get a nice sear on each piece. This ensures each bite is flavorful and juicy.
  
• The Easiest Way to Store Leftovers: If you have leftover marinated chicken, store it in freezer bags or stasher bags. It’s an easy way to make sure your chicken stays fresh for future meals, and you can reheat it for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

FAQs

Say goodbye to boring chicken with this flavorful marinade! Packed with garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, and fresh lemon juice, it transforms chicken into juicy, tender deliciousness. Serve it on salads, in bowls, or over rice for an easy weeknight meal that’s anything but basic. It all starts with a good marinade, bringing a burst of flavor and creating some seriously juicy chicken. Hope you’re ready to take your chicken to the next level!

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