Greek Lemon Chicken

This Greek Lemon Chicken is the perfect dish for any occasion, bringing vibrant flavors and juicy tenderness to your dinner table. With its delightful lemon-herb marinade, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal. The succulent chicken thighs soak up the marinade, resulting in a dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates an irresistible taste that enhances the chicken.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you can have this dish ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, this Greek Lemon Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides like rice, salads, or roasted vegetables.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools will make your experience seamless. Gathering your equipment ahead of time ensures a smooth preparation flow.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Instant-read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish holds the chicken evenly and allows for proper cooking.
• Mixing bowl: This is essential for combining your marinade ingredients effectively.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly by checking internal temperature quickly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 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

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, stir together:
1. ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2. ¼ cup lemon juice
3. 4 minced garlic cloves
4. 1 tablespoon dried oregano
5. 2 teaspoons dried thyme
6. 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
7. 2 teaspoons kosher salt
8. 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours (up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over them.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C). Optionally, baste with juices a few times during cooking. For crispy skin, turn on the top oven broiler during the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking. Garnish with lemon slices if desired before serving.

This recipe for Greek Lemon Chicken will not only satisfy your taste buds but also impress everyone at your dinner table! Enjoy this flavorful dish as part of your meal rotation!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken

Serving Greek Lemon Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile, making it a great choice for family dinners or special occasions. Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

With Fresh Salad

• Greek Salad: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and olives for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing complement the tangy chicken beautifully.

With Grains

• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs and spices enhances the meal’s Mediterranean flavors.
• Quinoa Salad: Add chopped vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette for a healthy side.

With Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers with olive oil and roast them for a colorful side.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance to your plate.

Garnished with Lemon Slices

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon slices not only look appealing but also provide an extra zesty kick when squeezed over the chicken.

How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken

Perfecting Greek Lemon Chicken ensures that every bite is juicy and flavorful. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
• Use Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs retain moisture better, ensuring tender meat.
• Baste While Baking: Basting the chicken with its own juices helps keep it moist and adds flavor.
• Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 175°F (80°C) for safe consumption.
• Let It Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken

Pairing sides with Greek Lemon Chicken can enhance its taste. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic adds freshness to each bite.
2. Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up sauce or enjoying alongside the meal.
3. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs, olives, and tomatoes brings texture and flavor.
4. Lemon Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with lemon juice echo the chicken’s flavors wonderfully.
5. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic provides a nutritious green side that balances the meal.
6. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad made with chickpeas, parsley, onion, and lemon dressing pairs well with the chicken’s zestiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Greek Lemon Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not marinating long enough – Marinating for less than an hour can result in less flavorful chicken. Aim for at least 1 to 2 hours for the best taste.
• Skipping the basting step – Basting keeps the chicken moist and enhances flavor. Baste your chicken a couple of times during cooking for juicy results.
• Ignoring the internal temperature – Cooking chicken without checking its doneness can lead to undercooking or overcooking. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 175°F (80°C).
• Using low-quality olive oil – Poor-quality oil can affect the overall flavor of your dish. Use extra-virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
• Overcrowding the baking dish – Placing too many pieces of chicken in one dish can lead to uneven cooking. Bake in batches if necessary to allow proper heat circulation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Greek Lemon Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken

• Freeze portions of Greek Lemon Chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and reheat chicken for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of broth or water, then add chicken until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Greek Lemon Chicken:

What is Greek Lemon Chicken?

Greek Lemon Chicken is a flavorful dish made with marinated chicken thighs that are baked until golden and juicy.

How can I customize my Greek Lemon Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the baking dish, or adjust herbs according to your preference for added variety.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs can be used; just reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes for optimal results.

What should I serve with Greek Lemon Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance out the flavors.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 175°F (80°C) when fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

Greek Lemon Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it with different herbs or sides based on personal preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its bright flavors at your next meal!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Greek Lemon Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greek Lemon Chicken, a dish that brings together juicy chicken thighs and a zesty lemon-herb marinade. This recipe is not only straightforward but also an impressive centerpiece for your dinner table, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family meal. The fragrant blend of garlic, oregano, and thyme enhances the chicken’s natural taste, ensuring every bite is succulent and satisfying. Pair it with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or aromatic grains for a delightful Mediterranean feast that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs
• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade on top.
4. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). Optionally, baste with juices during cooking for added moisture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 140g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 110mg