If you’re looking for a recipe that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for the grill, Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken checks every box. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines zesty lemon, garlic, olive oil, and classic Greek herbs to create chicken that’s incredibly juicy with bold, vibrant flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that feels light and healthy but still satisfying enough for a hearty dinner.
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken is perfect for weeknight meals, backyard cookouts, or meal prep. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that never gets boring.
For more grilled chicken recipes try my Sweet Tea Brined Smoked Chicken, sweet and savory Cherry Coke BBQ chicken, or a fan favorite the Pineapple Throne Chicken.
Why Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Is a Go-To Recipe
This easy Mediterranean-inspired recipe is all about balance. The acidity from fresh lemon juice tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with brightness. Olive oil keeps everything moist on the grill, and garlic with dried oregano and thyme delivers that unmistakable Greek flavor profile.
Grilling the chicken adds light char and smokiness that complements the citrus and herbs beautifully. It’s simple, reliable, and versatile, everything a great grilled chicken recipe should be.
Ingredients needed to make a Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken
- Chicken thighs: thighs are extra juicy, more flavorful and forgiving on the grill.
- Lemon: provide both juice and zest for maximum citrus punch.
- Garlic: adds depth and savoriness to the marinade.
- Olive oil: acts as the base of the marinade, helping carry flavor into the chicken and preventing it from drying out.
- Herbs: dried oregano and thyme brings that classic Mediterranean aroma.
- Seasoning: an all purpose rub to add in classic seasonings like salt, pepper and paprika.
- Mustard: adds a sharp, tangy savory flavor that compliments the citrus flavors of the marinade.
Make a Lemon and Herb Marinade
The marinade is where the magic happens. Allowing the chicken to soak in the lemon, garlic, and herb mixture gives it time to absorb flavor and become tender. Even a short marinating time makes a difference, but letting it rest longer deepens the taste and improves texture.
Because lemon juice is acidic, it’s best not to over-marinate. Just enough time allows the citrus to brighten the meat without breaking it down too much. The result is chicken that’s flavorful, juicy, and perfectly textured.
Start by adding lemon zest from 2 large lemons. Next squeeze the lemon juice. 2 lemons should provide about 1/2 cup of juice. Next, add in dijon mustard, dried oregano and thyme, olive oil, Dad’s All Purpose seasoning and freshly minced garlic.
Recipe Tip
Using fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Zesting the lemon before juicing adds an extra layer of citrus aroma that elevates the entire dish.
For this recipe, I went with bone-in, skin on chicken thighs. That’s my personal preference, but boneless thighs or chicken breast will do just fine.
Dunk the chicken into a bowl with the marinade making sure to get good coverage. Place it in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.
If you like using citrus in marinades, try this Grilled Citrus Chicken. It’s a Pollo Tropical copycat recipe that’s better than the original.
Dad’s Seasonings
Must have grillin seasonings!
Time to grill the Lemon Chicken Thighs
Let’s make dinner! This Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken is such an easy and delicious recipe to make. Best of all it requires little time, minimal ingredients and effort.
Preheat the grill to a medium heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set up the grill for dual zone grilling meaning you have a direct hot side and a cooler side.
How to create dual zone heat
Dual heat zones are created differently depending on the type of grill you have.
- Gas grill: Turn the burners on one half of the grill. For indirect heat, place food on the opposite end.
- Charcoal grill: position the heated charcoal to one half of the round bowl. For indirect heat, place the food on the opposite end.
- Komodo style grill: use a plate setter that will deflect direct heat from the food on the grates.
Remove the marinated chicken and place it on the indirect side first, skin side up. No need to flip the chicken here. For for about an hour until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees.
Starting the chicken low and slow over indirect heat and finishing over the hotter side of the grill gives you the juiciest results
Next, move it to the direct side to get a nice char all around and crispy skin. This is where you flip the chicken every 1-2 minutes.
Because I used bone-in chicken thighs, the doneness temperature will be 175 degrees. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
Recipe Tip
If you are grilling chicken breast, move it to the direct side once it hits 150 degrees. Sear it on both sides. Final temp should read 160 Fahrenheit. It will come to full temperature during the resting period. This will ensure juicy, tender and flavorful meat.
Resting is a crucial step any time you are grilling protein. This is when the cooking process slows down and juices redistribute throughout the meat making every bite tender and juicy.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken
This Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a simple Greek salad. Add some roasted potatoes to finish off the dish. It’s also excellent served over rice or quinoa with grilled vegetables on the side.
For easy lunches, use leftovers in wraps, bowls, or salads. The bright lemon flavor holds up well and tastes just as good the next day.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Grilling Rotation
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken is one of those recipes that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. It’s fresh, bold, and adaptable, making it a staple for anyone who loves grilling with big flavor and minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a grilled chicken recipe that’s light, juicy, and full of Mediterranean flair, Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken is the answer. With bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and smoky grill flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long can you marinate chicken in lemon juice? Ideal length to marinating chicken in lemon juice is 1-2 hours. This is not a marinade you want to leave protein in overnight due to its acidity.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast? The short answer is yes. Any cut of chicken will work in this recipe. Be mindful of temperature doneness. This will vary depending on the piece. Chicken breast should be removed from the grill at 160 and allow it to rest to reach 165. Otherwise you will end up with dry meat.
If you tried this Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the📝 comments. I love hearing from you!
Print
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken
This Mediterranean-inspired Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is bold, vibrant, zesty and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword chicken, grilled, marinade recipe, chicken thighs, grillin with dad recipes, grilling with dad recipes, weeknight dinner, summer meal., Weeknight Meal, Zesty
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 1 hour hour
Servings 4 People
Calories 908kcal
- 8 Bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 5 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Dried thyme
- 1 tbsp All purpose seasoning
For the marinade, in a large bowl. add lemon zest and freshly squeezed the lemon juice. Next, add in dijon mustard, dried oregano and thyme, olive oil, all purpose seasoning and freshly minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together.
Dunk the chicken into a bowl with the marinade making sure to get good coverage.Place it in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.
Preheat the grill to a medium heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set up the grill for dual zone grilling.
Remove the marinated chicken and place it on the indirect side first, skin side up. For for about an hour until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees. Do NOT flip
Next, move it to the direct side to get a nice char all around and crispy skin. This is where you flip the chicken every 1-2 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the grill at 175 degrees Fahrenheit and let it rest 5 minutes.
Serve with roasted veggies or side salad. Enjoy!
Using fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Zesting the lemon before juicing adds an extra layer of citrus aroma that elevates the entire dish.
If you are grilling chicken breast, move it to the direct side once it hits 150 degrees. Sear it on both sides. Final temp should read 160 Fahrenheit. It will come to full temperature during the resting period. This will ensure juicy, tender and flavorful meat. Calories: 908kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 283mg | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 710mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 394IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 5mg
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