Try This Tangy Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe Tonight

Tender chicken takes on a zesty twist with this classic Greek lemon chicken recipe that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Bright citrus notes dance across succulent meat, creating a mouthwatering dish that transports you straight to the sunny Greek islands.

Garlic, herbs, and tangy lemon juice infuse each bite with incredible depth and complexity.

The marinade works its magic, tenderizing the meat while layering robust aromatics.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Serve this vibrant chicken alongside roasted potatoes or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying dinner that will impress everyone at the table.

Why Greek Lemon Chicken Stands Out

• This Greek lemon chicken recipe requires minimal prep work and delivers maximum taste, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• The versatile marinade allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting you personalize the dish to suit your family's preferences without complicated techniques.
• Juicy chicken thighs infused with zesty lemon and herbs create a crowd-favorite meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Using just one baking dish and a few basic ingredients means quick cleanup and less stress, making this recipe a go-to for busy households seeking delicious, hassle-free meals.

What You Need for Greek Lemon Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully and becomes juicy when baked.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Provides moisture and bright, tangy flavor that tenderizes the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic base note to the marinade.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle tangy and slightly sharp flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Oregano, Thyme: Classic Greek herbs that give an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

Cooking Steps for Greek Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

The aromatic blend will instantly awaken your senses.

Completely coat chicken thighs with this liquid gold, ensuring every piece gets maximum flavor love.

Seal in a container and let the magic happen in the refrigerator for 1-8 hours.

Step 2: Prep for Cooking

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Remove chicken from refrigerator and allow it to relax at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

This technique helps chicken cook evenly and prevents dry edges.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish with skin facing upward.

Pour remaining marinade over the top for extra juiciness.

Slide into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 175°F.

Occasionally spoon pan juices over chicken to maintain moisture.

Step 4: Crisp the Skin

Activate broiler for final 2-3 minutes to transform skin into a golden, crispy masterpiece.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

The result?

Irresistibly crunchy exterior that’ll make mouths water.

Helpful Tips for Greek Lemon Chicken

• Let the chicken soak in the marinade overnight for deeper, more robust flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Remove chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Regularly spoon pan juices over the chicken during baking to lock in moisture and create a succulent, tender texture.
• Use the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes to transform the chicken skin into a golden, crispy masterpiece that adds irresistible texture.
• This recipe naturally fits low-carb and gluten-free diets, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.

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, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken stays good for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the bag.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, maintaining juiciness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Best used when you're in a hurry and want a quick meal.

Pairings That Work for Lemon Chicken

• Elevate Flavor Combinations
• Pair with crisp white Greek wine like Assyrtiko to complement the lemon's brightness and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Refreshing Salad Companion
• Serve alongside a traditional Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and olives to balance the dish's tangy marinade and provide contrasting textures.
• Mediterranean Side Harmony
• Prepare herb-roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic to soak up the delicious pan juices and create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Herbal Beverage Enhancement
• Brew fresh mint tea as a light, cleansing drink that mirrors the recipe's herbal notes and aids digestion after the savory chicken.

Fresh Twists on Greek Lemon Chicken

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean: Replace oregano and thyme with rosemary, basil, and parsley for a fresh Mediterranean herb profile that elevates the chicken's flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap olive oil with avocado oil and add extra garlic and herbs to maintain moisture while keeping the recipe carbohydrate-friendly and aligned with ketogenic dietary needs.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Zinger: Use gluten-free Dijon mustard and ensure all herbs are certified gluten-free. Add lemon zest for an extra citrusy punch that complements the chicken's natural flavors.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Transfer marinated chicken to a slow cooker instead of baking. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, which creates incredibly tender meat with minimal hands-on preparation time.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink, when you cut into the meat.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to 25-35 minutes since they cook faster and can dry out more quickly. Adjust cooking time and check internal temperature regularly.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. So if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, use 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 8 hours?

No, the minimum marinating time is 1 hour, which still allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, longer marinating (up to 8 hours) will develop deeper, more intense flavors in the chicken.

Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean kitchens come alive with succulent Greek lemon chicken, a zesty dish that dances with tangy citrus and herbal notes. Tender marinated chicken emerges from the oven golden and aromatic, promising you a delightful journey through classic Greek flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Oil:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with this aromatic mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 1-8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to equilibrate temperature. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F, creating an ideal roasting environment.
3. Transfer marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish, positioning skin-side upward. Drizzle remaining marinade over the meat for enhanced flavor intensity.
4. Roast chicken for 40-45 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 175°F. Periodically bathe the meat with pan juices to maintain moisture and enhance succulence.
5. Activate broiler during final 2-3 minutes to transform chicken skin into a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Vigilantly watch to prevent burning, allowing the skin to develop a delectable crunch without charring.

Notes

• Check chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying.
• Tenderize meat by piercing with a fork before marinating to help flavors penetrate deeper into the chicken.
• Customize marinade by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or adding a touch of honey for subtle sweetness and enhanced caramelization.

• Prep Time: 2 hours (or up to 8 hours)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg