Description
This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a creamy yogurt-based sauce with lemon, garlic, and traditional Greek seasonings. The chicken is perfectly seared in a skillet to achieve a golden crust and juicy interior, making it a flavorful and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Mix the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, Greek seasoning, and Greek yogurt. Stir well until the ingredients form a creamy and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare to Cook: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Add a small drizzle of olive oil to the hot pan to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts onto the pan and sear on one side for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Cook Through: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If the chicken needs more cooking, cover the pan with a lid or foil to retain moisture and cook through without drying out.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve with any remaining yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat further.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- This recipe pairs well with a Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, yogurt marinated chicken, Mediterranean chicken, skillet chicken, easy Greek recipe
