Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

8 servings
This lemon chicken is the best dinner with juicy, tender, and golden chicken thighs coated in a delicious lemon-herb Greek marinade. Watch how I make it and serve it up in the video below!

Ingredients

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

    minced

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

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the marinade: In a small bowl, stir together the oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, mustard, salt, and pepper.

  2. 2

    Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and pour the marinade on top. Marinate for 1 to 2 hours (and up to 8 hours) in the fridge.

  3. 3

    Transfer to baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade on top.

  4. 4

    Bake the chicken: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and registers 175°F (80°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Optionally, you can baste the chicken a few times while it cooks. And for extra crispy skin, turn on the top oven broiler in the last 2 to 3 minutes. If you're serving this dish up for a dinner party, you can garnish it with lemon slices if you'd like.

Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

55 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a dinner that’s both bursting with flavor and wonderfully easy to prepare? This Greek Lemon Chicken delivers, bringing the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen table with minimal fuss.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Greek Lemon Chicken truly special is its incredible lemon-herb marinade. The blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, earthy oregano, and fragrant thyme deeply infuses each bone-in chicken thigh, guaranteeing a result that is both incredibly juicy and exceptionally tender. The Dijon mustard in the marinade adds a subtle tang and helps create that beautiful golden crust when baked.

What to Expect

Prepare for chicken thighs that are a testament to simple, delicious cooking. You'll find each bite incredibly tender and moist on the inside, with a wonderfully savory and slightly crisp golden exterior. The predominant flavors are bright lemon, balanced by the pungent warmth of garlic and the classic, comforting notes of Greek herbs. This dish is rich without being heavy, making it a satisfying meal that generously serves eight. It’s the kind of comforting, flavorful chicken dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.

Customization & Variations

While bone-in chicken thighs are championed here for their supreme juiciness, you could adapt the marinade for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer. For an extra pop of freshness, consider adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill to the marinade right before cooking. You can also roast this chicken alongside wedges of lemon or quartered potatoes to absorb the delicious pan juices.

Serving & Context

This Greek Lemon Chicken is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, a casual Sunday supper, or even as the star of a relaxed gathering. Serve it alongside a simple rice pilaf, a fresh Greek salad, or some roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions