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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to equilibrate temperature. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F, creating an ideal roasting environment.
- Transfer marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish, positioning skin-side upward. Drizzle remaining marinade over the meat for enhanced flavor intensity.
- 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.
- 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