This easy Greek grilled chicken is a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. The marinade—based on plain Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs—tenderizes the chicken and locks in moisture, producing juicy, tender results whether you grill, smoke, or pan-sear. The bright herb and lemon notes paired with warm spices make this a versatile recipe that pairs well with salads, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Easy Greek Grilled Chicken

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1–3 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

How To Make Easy Greek Grilled Chicken

1. Combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, seasoning salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and cumin in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover or seal, and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours—longer marinating will deepen the flavor and further tenderize the meat.
3. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to take the chill off. Preheat your grill, smoker, or skillet as described below.
4. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with preferred sides and garnishes.

This recipe fits well into a Mediterranean-style eating plan and emphasizes whole, simple ingredients. It’s easy to scale up for meal prep: cooked chicken keeps well in the refrigerator and makes quick lunches or dinner components throughout the week.

How To Smoke Or Grill This Chicken

Smoking: For a deeply flavored, tender result, smoke the marinated chicken at a low temperature. A smoker set to around 250°F on a low smoke setting works well. Depending on thickness, plan for about 60–90 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Low, slow smoking helps the chicken retain moisture and develop a subtle smokiness.

Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Grill the chicken 8–10 minutes per side for average-thickness breasts or thighs, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thicker pieces may require a few extra minutes. For best results, sear over direct heat briefly, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through without burning.

Pan-frying: If you prefer the stovetop, lightly pound thicker chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a thin coating of oil. Cook 4–6 minutes per side, adjusting as needed for thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. A quick pan-sear yields a nicely browned exterior.

Storage and meal prep: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use it sliced over salads, tucked into wraps or bowls, or reheated gently for a fast weeknight meal. Leftover chicken also freezes well—slice and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Greek chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta
• Tzatziki sauce or a lemon-herb yogurt sauce for dipping
• Coconut rice or Greek lemon rice for a fragrant, starchy side
• Build a grain bowl with roasted vegetables, pickled onions, and a drizzle of olive oil
• Serve on warm pita with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs

Save this recipe to your favorite recipe board or notes so you can make it again!

Yield: 4-6+ servings

Easy Greek Grilled Chicken

This easy Greek grilled chicken delivers tender, juicy results thanks to a simple yogurt-based marinade. Bright lemon, garlic, and herbs complement warm spices for a balanced flavor profile.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour

Additional Time
1 hour

Total Time
2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1–3 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
2. Coat the chicken with the yogurt mixture and refrigerate for 1–6 hours.
3. Bring the chicken to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking. Smoke, grill, or pan-fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes, then serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 279Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 355mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 31g