Very Greek Grilled Chicken

This Very Greek Grilled Chicken is an incredible dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greek Chicken Souvlaki right to your grill. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to follow. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have juicy grilled chicken ready for any occasion.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek seasonings creates a marinade that elevates the taste of your chicken.
• Versatile Meal Options: Enjoy it as is, or use leftovers in salads, wraps, or stir-fries.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy throughout the week for effortless lunches or dinners.
• Healthy Choice: This dish is rich in protein and low in carbs, making it suitable for various diets.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment will help you achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Ziploc bag
• Colander
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Non-stick spray or oil

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides even heat distribution for achieving those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor.
• Ziploc bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly without making a mess.
• Instant-read meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C), preventing undercooking.

Ingredients

This Very Greek Grilled Chicken has all the flavors of Greek Chicken Souvlaki in a grilled chicken breast.

Ingredients:
– 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp. (or more) fresh lemon zest
– 1 tsp. Greek Seasoning
– 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
– 1 tsp. dried oregano
– black pepper to taste

How to Make Very Greek Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

1. If you’re not experienced at grilling chicken, consider reading up on how to make juicy grilled chicken breasts before starting this recipe.
2. Trim all visible fat and membranes from the chicken breasts.
3. For better marination, make small crosswise slits about 1/2 inch apart down each chicken breast.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer within a Ziploc bag.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek Seasoning, Poultry Seasoning, dried oregano, and black pepper to create your marinade.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag and seal it tightly.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for 6–8 hours or up to all day if possible. If you’re short on time, increase the amount of lemon juice slightly.

Step 3: Prepare to Grill

1. When ready to cook, dump the chicken along with its marinade into a colander placed in your sink and let it drain while coming to room temperature if you have time.
2. Spray your grill with non-stick spray or brush it lightly with oil; preheat it to medium-high heat.

Step 4: Grill Your Chicken

1. Place the marinated chicken on the grill top side down at an angle relative to the grill grates and cook for about 4 minutes or until you see grill marks when lifting an edge.
2. Rotate each piece so they are diagonal in another direction on the grill grates; cook for another 4 minutes until criss-cross grill marks appear.
3. Flip each piece over and cook for about 4–8 minutes on this side until firm but not hard when pressed gently with fingers.

Step 5: Check Doneness

1. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that each piece has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Even if you’re cooking for just a few people, prepare the entire recipe! Leftover Very Greek Grilled Chicken is wonderful sliced on salads, added to Greek tacos, or mixed into stir-fried veggies for quick meals throughout your week.

With these steps completed, you’ll have delicious Very Greek Grilled Chicken ready to impress!

How to Serve Very Greek Grilled Chicken

Very Greek Grilled Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty feast, this grilled chicken offers versatility that everyone will love.

On a Salad

• Toss slices of Very Greek Grilled Chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad. Add feta cheese, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette for a true Greek experience.

In Pita Bread

• Wrap the grilled chicken in pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes for a delicious handheld meal. It’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the chicken alongside fluffy rice or quinoa pilaf. The grains soak up the flavors of the marinade beautifully and make for a satisfying dish.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Include slices of the grilled chicken on a mezze platter with hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and assorted vegetables. This makes for an excellent appetizer spread at gatherings.

In Tacos

• Use the grilled chicken as a filling for tacos. Top with avocado, salsa, and shredded cabbage for a fun twist on traditional tacos.

In Stir-Fried Dishes

• Chop leftover Very Greek Grilled Chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir it into veggies and noodles for an easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor.

How to Perfect Very Greek Grilled Chicken

To achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time, follow these essential tips that enhance flavor and juiciness.

• Marinate longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 6-8 hours or overnight if possible.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring out vibrant flavors in your marinade. Avoid bottled juices for the best results.
• Preheat your grill: Ensuring your grill is hot enough helps create those beautiful grill marks and seals in moisture. Aim for medium-high heat.
• Don’t overcrowd: Place chicken pieces with space between them on the grill. This allows even cooking and prevents steaming.
• Check doneness: Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F/75C for safe eating.
• Let it rest: After grilling, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Very Greek Grilled Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Very Greek Grilled Chicken can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Greek Orzo Salad: A light salad made with orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Tzatziki Sauce: A cool yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers and garlic that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs roasted until tender make a flavorful side dish.
4. Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked in broth with lemon zest adds bright flavors that pair well with grilled chicken.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears grilled until tender provide a fresh touch to your meal.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until crispy are always a crowd favorite alongside any grilled dish.
7. Fattoush Salad: A refreshing Middle Eastern salad made from mixed greens, radishes, cucumbers, and crispy pita chips dressed in tangy lemon-sumac dressing.
8. Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crispy pita chips makes an excellent appetizer or side dish to accompany your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Very Greek Grilled Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate can result in bland flavors. Aim for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
• Not Prepping the Chicken: Failing to trim fat or make slits in the chicken breasts can prevent the marinade from penetrating. Always prepare your chicken well for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165F/75C.
• Ignoring Grill Temperature: Grilling on a low heat can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high before adding the chicken.
• Forgetting to Rest the Chicken: Cutting into grilled chicken immediately can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling for juiciness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Very Greek Grilled Chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Freezing Very Greek Grilled Chicken

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Very Greek Grilled Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (30 seconds), checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook each side of the chicken for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Very Greek Grilled Chicken special?

This recipe captures all the bold flavors of traditional Greek Souvlaki in tender grilled chicken breasts, making it both delicious and versatile.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, while boneless skinless breasts are recommended, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Adjust cooking times accordingly as they may take longer.

How do I customize my Very Greek Grilled Chicken?

Feel free to add different herbs or spices based on your preferences! You could also experiment with various marinades like yogurt-based ones for added creaminess.

What should I serve with Very Greek Grilled Chicken?

It pairs beautifully with salads, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables. You could even use it in wraps or gyros!

Final Thoughts

Very Greek Grilled Chicken is not just a fantastic dish; it’s also incredibly versatile! Whether you serve it fresh off the grill or use leftovers in salads or wraps, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or sides!