The Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting an authentic greek lemon chicken brings Mediterranean magic right to your kitchen table.

Zesty citrus notes dance with tender poultry in this classic dish.

Succulent pieces of chicken absorb rich marinade flavors that promise delightful complexity.

Herbs like oregano and thyme whisper subtle Mediterranean hints through each bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary without complicated techniques.

Fresh lemon juice cuts through robust meat with bright, tangy elegance.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort directly to your plate.

Grab your skillet and let culinary adventure begin!

Sunshine on a Plate: Greek Lemon Chicken Night

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a zesty chicken dish that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece with its bold, tangy marinade and aromatic herbs.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Throw together this one-pan wonder with minimal prep, creating a restaurant-quality meal that requires little effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Meals: Impress family and friends with a foolproof recipe that suits everyone from picky eaters to adventurous food lovers, making it ideal for casual dinners and gatherings.
• Healthy Protein Option: Enjoy a nutritious meal packed with lean protein and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that support a balanced diet without sacrificing incredible flavor.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Magic

• Chicken Thighs: Flavorful and tender cut of meat that becomes juicy and crispy when baked with marinade.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a smooth coating for the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides depth and subtle sharpness to the marinade.

• Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Classic Greek herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds robust and aromatic taste to the marinade.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds a final touch of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions: Greek Chicken Style

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

In a spacious mixing bowl, energetically blend together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, aromatic oregano, fragrant thyme, tangy Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients create a vibrant, well-combined mixture.

Step 2: Coat and Chill the Chicken

Immerse the chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring every inch gets covered with the flavor-packed liquid.

Seal the bowl and let the chicken rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to mingle and infuse for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing for the chicken’s golden transformation.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish, positioning them skin-side up to guarantee that irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the chicken roast for 35-40 minutes.

Watch for the magical moment when the meat is thoroughly cooked and the skin turns beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the succulent chicken from the oven and plate immediately.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Tangy Lemon Chicken

• Let chicken soak in the lemon-herb mixture for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Pat chicken thighs dry before marinating to ensure the skin gets extra crispy and golden brown during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or oregano just before serving to boost the aromatic Greek-style profile.
• Can swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out the leaner meat.

Lemon Chicken Variations Worth Trying

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken: Replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary, mint, and parsley for a vibrant, aromatic profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap olive oil with avocado oil and add extra herbs to boost flavor while keeping carbohydrates minimal.
• Dairy-Free Zesty Chicken: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and add extra lemon zest for brightness and richness.
• Grilled Greek Chicken Alternative: Skip oven baking and grill chicken on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, achieving smoky char marks and maintaining juicy texture.

Ideas for Serving Up Greek Lemon Chicken

• Mediterranean Platter Pairing: Create a vibrant spread with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta cheese, and a crisp Greek salad to complement the zesty chicken.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, dill, or oregano over the chicken for a burst of color and aromatic freshness that enhances the dish's Mediterranean flavors.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Pair the lemony chicken with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the meal's brightness and cut through the richness.
• Rice Bed Delight: Serve the chicken over fluffy lemon-infused rice or herbed pilaf to soak up the delicious marinade and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Keeping Greek Lemon Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place chicken pieces separately to maintain texture.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Stop heating when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Why use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier during cooking compared to boneless chicken breasts. The bones help retain moisture and create a richer taste.

• Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but adjust the quantity. Generally, use three times more fresh herbs than dried herbs. For this recipe, use about 3 tablespoons of fresh oregano and thyme instead of 1 tablespoon of dried herbs.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the juices should run clear, not pink.

Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with Greek Lemon Chicken, a zesty symphony of tangy citrus and herb-infused poultry. Crisp, golden skin and succulent meat promise a delightful journey through Greek culinary traditions you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/3 cup (79 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Immerse chicken thighs completely in the zesty marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat oven to 375F (190C), positioning the rack in the center for even cooking.
4. Transfer marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish, arranging them skin side up to promote crispy exterior.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches golden-brown perfection and internal temperature indicates complete cooking.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.
7. Plate the aromatic chicken, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or oregano for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Let herbs marinate alongside chicken to intensify Mediterranean flavors, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Remove chicken skin before cooking for lower-calorie, healthier version without compromising seasoning intensity.
• Experiment with boneless chicken breasts as alternative protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Add lemon zest directly into marinade for deeper citrus undertones and more vibrant flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 236 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 374 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg