Vargasavour Recipes

  • Recipes
  • Desserts
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Desserts
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Desserts
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

Estefania
Modified: Jan 3, 2026 · Published: May 21, 2025 by Estefania · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

This Greek lemon chicken is a quick skillet recipe made with juicy chicken cutlets, fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and Greek seasoning. It's simple, bright, and perfect for an easy Mediterranean-style meal. 

Recipe
Greek lemon chicken cutlets in a skillet topped with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

One-Pan Greek Lemon Chicken (Juicy Skillet Cutlets) 

I make this Greek chicken when I want something fast but still full of flavor. Slicing the chicken into cutlets helps it cook quickly and soak up the lemony marinade, and everything comes together in one pan with very little effort. 

Sometimes I use chicken breasts, other times marinated chicken thighs if I've planned ahead. Either way, the result is always juicy and well-seasoned. It works just as well served with rice or potatoes as it does tucked into a pita with tzatziki. 

Close-up of Greek lemon chicken cutlets in a skillet with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon slices.

Why You'll Love This Greek Chicken

  • Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: You probably already have everything you need: lemons, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and herbs.
  • Easy to Prepare Ahead: Marinate it in the morning, and dinner practically makes itself by evening.
  • Great for Grilling or Pan-Cooking: No matter how you cook it, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.

  • Chicken: I slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into cutlets because they cook evenly, stay juicy, and take on the marinade so much better. 
  • Lemon, Olive Oil & Garlic: I keep the marinade simple with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic. This trio gives the chicken that bright, classic Greek flavor without needing anything complicated. 
  • Greek Seasoning, Salt & Pepper: I use Greek seasoning as my shortcut to that oregano-forward Mediterranean taste, then just add salt and black pepper to round everything out. 
  • Parsley & Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): I finish with chopped parsley for a fresh, clean bite, and when I want a little heat, I add a small pinch of red pepper flakes. 

How to Make Greek Chicken

You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:

How to Make Greek Chicken

1. Slice and Marinate: Cut the chicken into cutlets. Place in a dish with lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Greek seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), and parsley. Toss to coat.

2. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.

3. Cook: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

4. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Greek lemon chicken cutlets cooked in one pan with lemon slices, garlic, herbs, and a golden sear.

Variations

  • Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
  • Add Greek Yogurt: Stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the marinade for extra tenderness and a subtle creamy texture.
  • Turn Up the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like a spicier version.
  • Grill It: This recipe is perfect for the grill; just cook the cutlets over medium heat for a smoky finish.

What to Serve with Greek Chicken

I usually serve this Greek chicken with lemon rice or herby orzo to catch the juices. A tomato salad or cucumber with feta keeps things fresh, and fried potatoes or wedges add a crispy side. Tzatziki and warm pita make it feel complete. 

Plated Greek lemon chicken cutlets with a golden sear, served with fresh green salad on the side.

My Tips for Recipe Success

Common Mistake to Avoid: I don't overcrowd the skillet; if the cutlets are packed in too tightly, they steam instead of searing. I cook in batches, so they get that golden crust. 

Flavor: Even a quick marinade helps, but when I have time, I leave it overnight. The lemon and garlic taste so much more vibrant the next day. 

Storage: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They're perfect for wraps, salads, or a quick rice bowl. 

Try These Chicken Recipes Next!

  • Greek Chicken Souvlaki
    Greek Chicken Souvlaki
  • Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with orzo
    Greek Lemon Chicken Soup With Orzo
  • Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
    Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
  • Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
    Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Recipe

Greek Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken is a quick, flavorful skillet dinner made with juicy chicken cutlets marinated in lemon juice, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and Greek seasoning, perfect for pitas, salads, or easy meal prep. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 308
Author: Estefania

Ingredients 

For the Chicken:

  • 1 kg Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For the Chicken Marinade:  

  • 2 Lemons
  • 40 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 5 Cloves Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Greek Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes - Optional
  • 15 g Parsley
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Slice the chicken breasts into even cutlets to help them cook more quickly and evenly. Pat the cutlets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • Place the chicken cutlets in a shallow dish. Pour over the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. Turn to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor. 
  • Remove the chicken from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.
  • Heat 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and fully cooked through.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Slice into Cutlets First: I like to slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets so they cook faster and soak up more of the lemony marinade. 
Use a Shallow Dish: I usually marinate the chicken in a shallow dish because it helps every piece get evenly coated without needing tons of extra marinade. 
Marinate Overnight for Best Flavor: If I have the time, I let it sit overnight; the lemon and garlic taste more vibrant, and the chicken turns out even more flavorful. 
Cook Just Right: I stick to about 4–5 minutes per side, then pull it as soon as it’s cooked through so the cutlets stay juicy instead of drying out. 

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 727mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

More Chicken

  • Basque chicken thighs braised in tomato and red pepper sauce, garnished with parsley
    Basque Chicken (Chicken Basquaise)
  • Sheet pan ground chicken kebabs served on warm pita with tzatziki, tomato, cucumber, and red onion.
    Sheet Pan Ground Chicken Kebabs
  • One pan Greek lemon chicken and potatoes with crispy chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, and fresh lemon slices in a baking dish
    One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes 
  • French onion chicken skillet with melted Gruyère cheese and caramelized onions in a pan
    French Onion Chicken Skillet

Comments

  1. Sandra says

    May 21, 2025 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    So flavorful and juicy! The lemon, garlic, and herbs make this Greek chicken a new favorite.

    Log in to Reply
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Image of Estefania

Hi, I'm Estefania!

I love to cook simple & easy recipes that are inspired by my Spanish culture and travel around the world. For simple and easy recipes with an occasional twist, you’re in the right place!

About Me

Fall Dishes

  • White chicken chili
    Healthy White Chicken Chili
  • Pork chops with cream of mushroom soup
    Pan Fried Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Baked Chicken with cream of chicken soup
    Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup
  • Pork Chili
    Pork Chili

Fall Appetizers

  • Cowboy chicken wings
    Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings Recipe
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Smashed potatoes
    Crispy Smashed Potatoes
  • Fried Cheese Balls
    Fried Cheese Balls

LET'S CONNECT

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Shop

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Vargasavour Recipes

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.