Mediterranean Chicken Marinade Recipes (4 Ways)

If you’re looking to take your chicken game to the next level, these Mediterranean chicken marinade recipes will become your new best friends! Each has its own unique twists that’ll make your next chicken dish absolutely unforgettable.

What Is Chicken Marinade?

Chicken marinades are a flavorful blend of ingredients that not only tenderize your chicken but also infuse it with rich flavors. By soaking the chicken in these marinades, you ensure that every bite is super juicy and packed with spices, herbs, and other goodness that you marinate it in. Whether you’re aiming for a zesty, smoky, or slightly sweet profile, marinating your chicken is the secret to unlocking maximum flavor!

The beauty of a chicken marinade is how incredibly simple it is. You can whip it up in minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand, and just let the marinade do its job overnight. Trust us — the results are worth the wait!

Ingredients You Need

Tzatziki Chicken Marinade

• Greek Yogurt – Creamy and tangy, this yogurt tenderizes the chicken. You can purchase it or make your own Greek yogurt. 
• Sour Cream – We love using sour cream for the extra layer of creaminess and subtle tang.
• Olive Oil – Oil adds a rich flavor and helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking.
• Persian Cucumber – Grated cucumber brings a refreshing crunch and lightness to the marinade.
• Pickles – Grated pickles add a tangy, briny kick that complements the yogurt perfectly.
• Fresh Dill – Dill adds a bright, herbal note that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
• Pickle Juice – This is a great way to add extra tang and depth to the flavor.
• Garlic – Freshly grated garlic gives it that irresistible savory punch.

Honey Harissa Chicken Marinade

• Olive Oil – Smooth and rich, olive oil helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and keeps it juicy.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the spicy harissa.
• Harissa Paste – We love using harissa paste because it brings a smoky, spicy heat to the marinade. We use Mina when we make this marinade.
• Lemon Juice – Bright and zesty, lemon juice adds a little acidity to balance out the other ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika – This spice adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the harissa.
• Garlic – Be sure to grate the garlic so it’s easy to mix it into the marinade evenly.
• Sea Salt – Essential for bringing out the bold flavors in the marinade.

Hummus Marinated Chicken

• Prepared Hummus – Hummus is a creamy, earthy base that coats the chicken beautifully! If you have a little extra time, you can whip up some homemade hummus instead of using a store-bought brand.
• Smoked Paprika – This spice adds a smoky depth to the marinade.
• Olive Oil – Oil helps to smooth out the marinade and keep the chicken moist.
• Lemon Juice – Lemon adds a bright, citrusy note and adds a zesty punch.
• Sea Salt – Just a pinch of salt brings out the other flavors and balances the richness of the hummus.
• Black Pepper – A bit of black pepper adds a touch of heat and complexity to the marinade.
• Garlic – Grated garlic infuses the chicken with its rich flavor.

Tahini Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• Tahini Paste – Nutty and rich, tahini adds a unique depth of flavor to the marinade.
• Olive Oil – We use olive oil to create just the right consistency. It also helps the chicken stay juicy.
• Cumin – This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the nutty tahini.
• Greek Yogurt – Creamy and tangy, yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while adding a silky texture.
• Lime Juice – Citrus adds a fresh and zesty kick that brightens up the flavors.
• Vinegar – This is a great way to add sharp acidity and balance the richness.
• Sea Salt – Salt brings out all of the flavors of the other ingredients and makes them pop!
• Black Pepper – Pepper adds a subtle heat that pairs well with the other spices.
• Garlic – Freshly grated garlic gives the marinade a punch of flavor that ties everything together.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Marinades

No matter which marinade you’re making, the steps are the same!

1. Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until they’re well combined and smooth.
2. Coat the chicken. Add the chicken to the bowl, ensuring it’s fully coated with the marinade. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken for even coverage.
3. Marinate. Cover the bowl or place the chicken in a zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the fridge for 24 hours to soak up all the flavors. Be sure to discard the excess marinade.
4. Cook. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, cook the marinated chicken until it’s tender and juicy.
5. Serve. Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving with your favorite side dishes!

Variations

• Citrus – Try using orange or grapefruit juice for a different citrus twist.
• Fresh Herbs – Basil, oregano, or thyme would bring an extra layer of fresh flavor.
• Spice – Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy marinade.
• Yogurt – Use plain yogurt or labneh for a different creamy texture.
• Experiment with oils – Swap olive oil for avocado oil or sesame oil for a unique flavor profile.

Can I Store Leftovers?

While you can store the leftover chicken for a few days, you cannot safely store or reuse any leftover marinade once you’ve removed the raw chicken from it. You can, however, make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use it.

Refrigerate the cooked, marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The prepared marinades can also be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days before using them.

You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months — just thaw it in the fridge overnight. The prepared marinades can be frozen for up to 3 months.

More Recipes To Jazz Up Your Meals

Whether you’re trying to elevate proteins, veggies, or starches, we’ve got your back with these super simple recipes!

Creamy Tahini Dressing

Easy Zhoug Sauce

Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum Recipe)

Baba Ganoush (Eggplant Dip)