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Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) Recipe

5.1 from 18 reviews

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme, then baked to perfection with a crispy, flavorful skin. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish captures the vibrant and fresh flavors characteristic of Greek cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 bone-in chicken thighs

Marinade

  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful during cooking.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 175°F (80°C). During baking, optionally baste the chicken a few times with the pan juices to maintain moisture.
  5. Crisp the Skin: For extra crispy skin, switch on the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with lemon slices if desired and serve warm, complementing the bright, aromatic flavors.

Notes

  • You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead for best flavor.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciest results and crispy skin.
  • Adjust salt according to your preference.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days and can be reheated gently.
  • Serve with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken, baked chicken thighs, Mediterranean chicken recipe, lemon garlic chicken, easy Greek chicken