Greek-Inspired Lemon Marinade

 

Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken

My Go-To Summer Chicken Marinade

Summer is in full swing, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious, fire-kissed meals. Today, I want to share one of my absolute favorite summer chicken marinades: my Greek-inspired Lemon Garlic Marinade. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire.

 

Ingredients for Greek Lemon-Garlic Marinade

Lemon. This is the star of the show. The citrusy zing is what gives this marinade its refreshing and vibrant flavor.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A good quality, imported olive oil helps to coat the chicken and keep it moist while grilling.

Soy Sauce. Adds a bit of umami and balances the acidity of the lemon.

Raw Sugar. For a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the tartness.

Greek Oregano. This herb is essential for that authentic Greek flavor.

Thyme. Adds a subtle earthiness

Rosemary. Another must-have herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.
 
Garlic. Because garlic makes everything better, right?
 
Tomato Paste. Adds a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
 
 

Lemon Garlic Marinated Chicken pn Grill

Recipe: Greek Lemon-Garlic Marinade


Here's what you'll need:

  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Sugar in the Raw
  • 1 Tbsp fresh Greek oregano, rough chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, rough chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, rough chopped
  • 8 cloves of garlic, rough chopped
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 Tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 Tsp fresh-cracked black pepper


Putting It All Together

  1. Combine all ingredients: In a suitable container, mix all the ingredients.
  2. Blend until smooth: Use a stick blender to blend everything until you have a smooth marinade.
This marinade is perfect for two chicken breasts or 5-6 thighs. Personally, I prefer bone-in thighs – they stay juicier and have more flavor, especially when grilled.
 
 
Cooking Tips 
 

  • Marinating Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but 8 hours is best. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.

  • Chicken: Find the best quality chicken (pasture-raised) you can, preferably air-chilled. To ensure moist, evenly cooked chicken, fillet your breasts so they are an even thickness.

  • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for breasts, 175ºF for thighs. Boneless chicken breast fillets will need to cook about 4 minutes per side. Bone-in thighs usually take about 10-12 minutes per side, depending on the size. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes, covered, before serving.

  • Serving: Serve the chicken with a fresh Greek salad, some grilled veggies, or even stuffed into a pita with tzatziki sauce.




Why I Love This Marinade
 
What I love about this marinade is how versatile it is. It's got that bright, zesty lemon flavor that's perfect for summer, balanced with the savory notes from the soy sauce and herbs. The garlic and tomato paste add a lovely depth that makes the chicken truly irresistible.

So, there you have it – my go-to Greek-inspired Lemon Marinade. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Remember to tag your recreations with @The_SmallTownChef. Until next time, happy grilling!

As always, reach out to The Small Town Chef with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.


Copyright © 2024 The Small Town Chef - All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer



 


Location: Northampton, PA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pollo Asado Fiesta: A Flavorful Journey into Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Image
  Grilling Up an Irresistible Mexican Fiesta with Pollo Asado Welcome to a culinary adventure that takes us straight to the heart of Mexican tradition - the tantalizing world of Pollo Asado! This beloved dish has deep roots in Mexican heritage and is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and festive spirit. Join us on this flavorful journey as we uncover the origins, share a dash of history, and guide you through the creation of your very own mouthwatering Pollo Asado. Heritage and Origins: Pollo Asado, translated as "grilled chicken," is a quintessential Mexican dish that traces its roots back to the vibrant streets and markets of Mexico. Originating in the northern regions of the country, this dish has become a beloved centerpiece for family gatherings, fiestas, and celebrations. Legend has it that Pollo Asado was born from the rich culinary tapestry of the Yucatan Peninsula, where Mayan influences fused with Spanish and Caribbean flavors. Over time, it spread across Mexico, ...
Read more

Savor the Flavor: The Rich History of Chicken Tinga

Image
A Culinary Voyage Through Centuries: The Tale of Chicken Tinga Tostadas Imagine, as the irresistible crunch meets the savory essence of seasoned roasted chicken, entwined with the smoky heat of chipotle—welcome to the flavorful adventure of the Chicken Tinga Tostada.     Today, we're not just indulging in a culinary delight but taking a flavorful journey through time with Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Originating from the heart of Mexico, Chicken Tinga carries a history as vibrant as its taste. Let's unravel the layers of this beloved dish, interspersed with a fun and easy-to-follow recipe that will transport you to the essence of Mexican cuisine.   Chicken Tinga: A Brief History: Chicken Tinga, also known as Tinga de Pollo, traces its roots to the diverse culinary landscape of Puebla, Mexico. Its origins date back to the 16th century, blending indigenous ingredients with Spanish influences. Tinga was born as a celebration of rich, smoky flavors and the artful use of spices,...
Read more

Elegant Delight: White Wine and Amaretto Poached Pears

Image
A Celebration of Elegance and Flavor Step into a world of culinary delight with our enchanting recipe for White Wine and Amaretto Poached Pears - a dessert that's both simple and elegant. Crafted for our New Year's Eve celebration this year and met with wows and yums, these poached pears are not just a treat for the taste buds but a celebration in themselves. If you're looking to impress for Valentine's Day or any special occasion, be sure to add this incredibly delicious dessert to your recipe file. Ingredients: 4 ripe but firm pears ( Bosc or Anjou ) - we prefer Bosc 2 cups of your favorite white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) 1 cup amaretto liqueur 1 cup granulated sugar 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon organic vanilla bean paste) 1 cinnamon stick 1 star anise Zest of one lemon A pinch of salt   Instructions: Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for a touch of elegance. Carefully core the pears from the bottom, ensurin...
Read more