Tag: marinade

Simple marinated citrus Greek chicken with a two ingredient sauce. It’s perfect all year round and you only need one skillet to make dinner in 30 minutes!

Marinated chicken is where it’s at! Whether it’s our simple marinated grilled chicken breasts or our smoked marinated chicken thighs, marinating chicken adds so much flavor and tenderness. The marinade for this citrus Greek chicken packs this recipe with outrageous flavor and is so simple!

This citrus Greek chicken looks like something you’d be served in your favorite restaurant, but it’s the easiest recipe ever. However, I’ve got rules so listen up!

Tips for the Best Citrus Greek Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts should not be overcooked. Ever. Here’s a really simple way to have perfectly cooked, perfectly moist chicken every single time.

I cringe when I hear about chicken breasts in the oven for an hour or a half hour on the stove top. Please, please don’t do that. Your dinners will be 100 times better if you cook the chicken properly.

Marinated meat is an easy way to have flavor without extra calories or effort, but it must have time. We like to marinate our chicken at least two hours or up to overnight. You pick what works for you.

And finally, oil packed sun dried tomatoes should always be in your fridge. They are amazing. The end.

Ingredients for Citrus Greek Chicken

I’m going to list the ingredients for the chicken marinade first, and then the simple 2 ingredient sauce that we will use to pour over the chicken. Here is what you will need:

• Chicken Breasts: boneless, skinless
• Olive Oil: help tenderize the chicken as it marinates
• Orange Juice: If you have the time, juice your own oranges so you have pure fresh orange juice without any added sugar.
• Greek Seasoning: We prefer McCormick brand, but if you like a different brand or want to make you’re own, we’ve included a recipe below.
• Salt: adds flavor
• Pepper: adds flavor
• Garlic: adds flavor

For the Sauce

• Packed Sun-dried Tomatoes: adds texture, flavor and color to the chicken
• Orange Juice: adds bright citrus flavor to the chicken as it cooks

The measurements for all of the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

What Goes in Greek Seasoning?

There are several brands of Greek seasoning out there. We prefer to use the McCormick Greek seasoning, but if you want to make you’re own from scratch, here is a basic recipe:

• 1 Tablespoon Oregano
• 2 teaspoons Thyme
• 2 teaspoons Basil
• 1 ½ teaspoons Rosemary
• 2 teaspoons Dill
• 2 ¼ teaspoons Dried Parsley
• 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
• 2 ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg

How to Make Greek Citrus Chicken

I’ve mentioned several times how easy this recipe is, so now let me prove it! Here are the basic steps:

1. Prep: Combine all the ingredients for the marinade as well as the chicken in a zip top bag. Seal the bag and squish the marinade all over the chicken and then place in the refrigerator.
2. Marinate: Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
3. Cook: Heat a grill plan over high heat, add a little olive oil and then place the chicken on the pan. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 6-7 minutes. Turn the chicken and cook an additional 6-7 minutes.
4. Rest: Remove the chicken from the pan and set to the side in a serving dish to rest. Add the sauce ingredients to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Pour the sauce over the top of the chicken and then serve.

All of these instructions can also be found in the recipe card below. The recipe can also be saved or printed there.

Why Do You Marinate Chicken?

Marinade adds flavor to meats and makes them more tender.

Marinade allows fluids and seasonings to enter the meat so it will maintain its moisture during grilling and not dry out as quickly.

Can You Use Fresh Tomatoes in Place of Sun Dried Tomatoes?

Sun dried tomatoes have a very tart, concentrated flavor which will enhance the flavor of your dish.

However, if you do not have sun dried tomatoes, you can substitute either drained canned tomatoes or fresh plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped.

Or, you can roast tomatoes until they are nearly dry.

What to Serve with Citrus Greek Chicken

Citrus green chicken goes great with just about anything. We love to make a side of mashed potatoes or just a simple white rice. If you want to stick with Greek cuisine, a side salad like our easy Greek pasta salad or our Mediterranean orzo pasta salad would taste great! And you all know I’m always down for bread…French bread or crusty artisan bread.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Greek citrus chicken should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days. This chicken also freezes well. Let it cool completely and place in a ziploc bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The chicken can be reheated in the microwave quickly, but I prefer to reheat it in the oven. Place the chicken in a baking dish and add a little chicken broth or orange juice. Cover the baking dish with foil and reheat at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

This flavorful and healthy citrus Greek chicken recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a zesty marinade and a hint of sweetness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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