Greek Lemon Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s bursting with vibrant, Mediterranean flavors—this Greek Lemon Chicken is an absolute showstopper in any kitchen. Each bite offers a perfect balance of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and herbaceous oregano and thyme, all beautifully infused into tender, juicy chicken thighs. Before you dive in, remember to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure your chicken roasts evenly with a golden, crispy skin every time. This recipe is simple but packed with personality, making it a wonderful weeknight dinner or impressive weekend feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to create such a deliciously complex flavor profile. Each component plays a star role, whether it’s the tangy lemon juice adding brightness, the garlic delivering punch, or the herbs creating an aromatic backdrop.

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender under roasting heat.
• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the herbs and lemon meld beautifully into the chicken.
• ¼ cup lemon juice: Brings freshness and an invigorating citrus brightness that defines the dish.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Offers a warm, savory depth that perfectly complements the lemon.
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Introduces an earthy, slightly minty aroma classic to Greek cuisine.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Adds subtle layers of woodsy flavor that elevate every bite.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang and binds the marinade ingredients.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Vital for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a hint of spice and balances the citrus nicely.

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Mix the marinade

Start by combining your olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a beautifully fragrant and emulsified mixture. This marinade is the heart of your dish.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover it up and let it sit in the fridge for anywhere between 1 to 8 hours. This gives the chicken plenty of time to soak up all those incredible flavors, resulting in juicy, seasoned meat that’s hard to resist.

Step 3: Get ready to bake – Greek Lemon Chicken

Just before you’re ready to bake, make sure to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). This step sets the perfect temperature for gentle roasting, ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and the skin crisps up without burning.

Step 4: Prepare the baking dish and chicken

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, pat them dry gently with paper towels for crispy skin, and arrange them in a single layer in your baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful throughout roasting.

Step 5: Bake the chicken

Place the dish in the oven you carefully preheated to 350°F (180°C) and roast for 40 to 45 minutes. You want to see that the internal temperature hits 175°F (80°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. To boost flavor and help get that irresistible golden skin, you can baste the thighs a couple of times while baking. For a final flourish, turn the broiler on for the last 2 to 3 minutes to crisp the skin even more.

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

A handful of fresh, bright garnishes can take this dish to the next level. Lemon slices or wedges placed on top or alongside help reinforce the citrusy notes, while a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This lemony chicken pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables, fluffy rice pilaf, or even a crisp Greek salad with olives and feta. The mild sides balance the bold flavors and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For serving that wows, try plating the chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or couscous tossed with fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts. You can also serve it family-style, straight from the baking dish, with plenty of crusty bread to scoop up the zesty juices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days and retains much of its juicy, tender texture.

Freezing

This chicken freezes well if you want to stash some away for busy days. Wrap the cooked pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing flavor or moisture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, just reheat gently in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven until warm, about 15 to 20 minutes. This method helps preserve the crispy skin and juicy meat better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes and keep a close eye on them to avoid drying out.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight is even better. It allows the lemon and herbs to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon, a bit of yellow mustard or even a teaspoon of honey for balancing the flavors can work, although the taste will slightly change.

Can I grill this chicken instead of baking?

Definitely! Just marinate as directed, then grill over medium heat, turning a few times, until cooked through and nicely charred.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 175°F (80°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little patience can create a meal that feels like a special occasion every time. Don’t forget to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) before you start—you’ll be rewarded with tender chicken, bold flavors, and a perfectly roasted finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try soon and delight in the magic of Mediterranean cooking right at home!

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