Mediterranean Chicken Marinade (Flavorful + Succulent)
Mediterranean Chicken Marinade is the secret to flavorful, juicy chicken! It comes together in a matter of minutes with simple ingredients and results in versatile, succulent chicken that can be pan cooked, baked, or grilled!
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If you enjoy marinated meat, you'll also love savory Pork Tenderloin Marinade!
Marinades are my favorite way to guarantee juicy, tender, savory meat...and this Mediterranean Chicken Marinade is no exception! Packed with flavor from a handful of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this marinade is quick and easy to whip up.
It's great for meal prep since it can (and should!) be made ahead of time. And it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways!
Ingredients
It's likely that you already have all of the necessary ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Marinade in your fridge and pantry.
- Chicken. I typically choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for this Mediterranean Chicken Marinade, but boneless skinless chicken thighs work great as well. Or you can marinate your favorite alternate cut of chicken, with or without bones. Keep in mind that skin-on chicken isn't recommended since it won't adequately absorb the marinade. Also, the cooking times in this recipe will have to be adjusted if using cuts other than chicken breasts.
- Extra-virgin olive oil. The base of the marinade. You may certainly substitute other types of oil, but if you are planning on grilling or sautéing your chicken, I recommend sticking with an oil that has a high smoke point (like EVOO).
- Red wine vinegar. A staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, red wine vinegar is a big contributor this marinade's fabulous flavor!
- Lemon juice. Fresh-squeezed is recommended, but a good-quality bottled lemon juice will work as well. Lemon juice provides necessary acidity to help tenderize the chicken.
- Dijon mustard. For a touch of tang.
- Dried oregano + garlic powder. For more layers of Mediterranean flavor.
- Sea salt + freshly ground black pepper. For further seasoning.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Marinade
(The below photos are intended to be helpful, but please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for FULL DIRECTIONS.)
Throwing together this Mediterranean Chicken Marinade takes mere minutes. And then you can pop your marinated chicken in the fridge to cook later or the next day...or pop it into the freezer for a future meal!
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.
- Place your chicken in a gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag, squeeze out the air, and tightly seal the bag. Turn and squeeze the bag so until the marinade is evenly distributed and all of the chicken pieces are immersed.
- Place the bag in a baking dish (in case of leaks) in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours (I typically marinate my chicken overnight). Turn the bag a time or two during marinating, if possible.
- Take your bag of Mediterranean Chicken Marinade out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan on cooking it to let it come to room temperature. Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the chicken in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Discard the marinade.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of chicken measures 165°F, which will typically take from 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size/cut of the chicken.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving. ENJOY!
Alternatively, you can pan sauté your marinated chicken or grill it.
Cook it however you like! And I'm happy to report that there are a variety of different ways to enjoy it as well. 🙂
Alternate Cooking Directions
TO GRILL MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN:
Preheat your grill to around 400°F. Scrape the grates if necessary and then oil them.
Arrange chicken breasts on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5 minutes before flipping the chicken. Close the grill lid again and cook for 5 more minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
TO PAN SAUTÉ MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN:
Heat a large, heavy pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl the pan to coat.
Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes until nicely browned on the first side. Flip the chicken and cook for 5 more minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
No matter which cooking method you use to cook your Mediterranean marinated chicken, you'll want to tent it and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Freezing Instructions
It's also possible to freeze this Mediterranean Chicken Marinade recipe, which makes it great for meal prep. Make one batch or double/triple/quadruple it for multiple dinners! Use a freezer-thickness zip-top bag if you plan to pop it in the freezer. And I still recommend resting it in a dish to save your freezer from any potential marinade leakage.
Marinated chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Transfer the bag and dish to the refrigerator to start thawing 24 hours before you want to cook it.
Ways to Enjoy Mediterranean Chicken
This Mediterranean Chicken Marinade lends itself to amazing Mediterranean chicken bowls! Simply lay your sliced or cubed chicken over a salad of arugula or chopped romaine. Top with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, such as grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, cubed avocado, Kalamata olives, and/or thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with Greek salad dressing and garnish with optional additions of quinoa or brown rice and crumbled feta cheese.
Chicken prepared using this marinade is also delicious when sliced and folded into a fluffy pita that's been slathered with tzatziki or hummus.
Or simply serve it fork-and-knife style with a side of roasted veggies, couscous salad, or pasta salad!
Mediterranean Chicken Marinade is a great way to add some pizzazz to humdrum chicken!
I hope you have a chance to try it soon.
More Chicken Dinners
- Easy Baked Panko Chicken
- Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Sheet Pan Chicken + Veggies
Mediterranean Chicken Marinade (Flavorful + Succulent)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken in a gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag, squeeze out the air, and tightly seal the bag. Turn and squeeze the bag so until the marinade is evenly distributed and all of the chicken pieces are immersed. Place the bag in a baking dish (in case of leaks) in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours (turn the bag a time or two during marinating, if possible).
- Arrange the chicken in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, discarding the marinade. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of chicken measures 165°F, which will typically take from 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size/cut of the chicken. (Alternatively, you can grill the chicken until cooked through.) Tent the chicken with foil and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.
Equipment Needed
Notes
- This Mediterranean Chicken Marinade also works great with boneless skinless chicken thighs, but cooking times will need to be adjusted.
- SERVING SUGGESTION: Make a Mediterranean chicken bowl by laying sliced marinated chicken over a salad of arugula or chopped romaine with grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, cubed avocado, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion. Optionally garnish with tzatziki, hummus, quinoa or brown rice, and crumbled feta cheese.
