1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Herb and Lemon Greek Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

Featured in Easy Chicken Recipes.

This Greek Lemon Chicken transforms simple chicken thighs into a flavorful Mediterranean dish. The chicken is marinated in a bright mixture of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and classic Greek herbs like oregano and thyme, with Dijon mustard adding extra depth. After marinating for up to 8 hours, the chicken is baked until golden brown and juicy, with the option to broil for extra-crispy skin. The result is tender, aromatic chicken that's equally perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Wed, 29 Jan 2025 03:21:08 GMT
Tender Greek lemon chicken, marinated in citrus and herbs for a bright, flavorful dish. Pin it
Tender Greek lemon chicken, marinated in citrus and herbs for a bright, flavorful dish. | lastminrecipes.com

The aroma of lemon and herbs wafting from perfectly golden chicken thighs instantly transports me to sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines. This Greek lemon chicken has become my ultimate comfort dish, combining the brightness of fresh lemons with aromatic herbs and juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs. After countless iterations in my kitchen, I've perfected this marinade to create chicken that's succulent on the inside with irresistibly crispy skin.

Just last week, I served this at a family dinner, and my Greek neighbor said it reminded her of her mother's cooking. The secret? Allowing the chicken to marinate just long enough to become flavorful without becoming too tender.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Chicken Thighs: Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Lemons: Use fresh lemons for both juice and zest. Organic lemons often provide the best flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Opt for good quality extra-virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
  • Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme work best for this recipe as they infuse concentrated flavor during cooking.
Juicy Greek lemon chicken, a perfect blend of tangy and savory Mediterranean flavors. Pin it
Juicy Greek lemon chicken, a perfect blend of tangy and savory Mediterranean flavors. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Marinade Creation:
Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Marinating Process:
Pour the marinade over chicken thighs, ensuring even coating. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Baking Method:
Arrange marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes. For extra-crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes.
Temperature Testing:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure thighs reach 175°F internally for perfect doneness.

My Mediterranean grandmother always said the secret to perfect chicken is patience. After countless Sunday dinners, I learned she was absolutely right.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just whisk before use for a quick, flavorful dinner prep.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with lemon herb rice, garlicky green beans, and a classic Greek salad. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.

Chef's Essential Tips

  • Place lemon slices over the chicken before baking for extra citrus flavor.
  • Save the pan juices to drizzle over the chicken and sides for added flavor.
  • Use a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and golden-brown skin.

Final Reflection: This Greek lemon chicken showcases the simplicity and beauty of Mediterranean cooking. By focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients and proper technique, this recipe consistently delivers bold flavors and juicy chicken every time. Whether serving a casual family meal or hosting guests, this dish brings the warmth and vibrancy of the Mediterranean to your table.

Greek-style lemon chicken, a fresh and aromatic dish perfect for any meal. Pin it
Greek-style lemon chicken, a fresh and aromatic dish perfect for any meal. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for 1-2 hours minimum, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs.
→ What's the best way to ensure juicy chicken?
Use bone-in thighs and baste occasionally while cooking.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead of cooking.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for 175°F internal temperature.

Herb and Lemon Greek Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon, olive oil, and Greek herbs, then baked until golden - a simple Mediterranean dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 8 Servings (8 pieces)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 8 bone-in chicken thighs

→ Greek Lemon Marinade

02 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
03 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
04 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 tablespoon dried oregano
06 2 teaspoons dried thyme
07 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
08 2 teaspoons kosher salt
09 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Mix together your olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 02

Place those chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour your marinade over them. Let them soak up all those Greek flavors in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 8 hours if you've got the time.

Step 03

When you're ready to cook, get your oven heating to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade right over the top.

Step 04

Pop your chicken in the oven for 40-45 minutes, until it reaches 175°F (80°C) internally. For extra flavor, baste occasionally with the pan juices. Want crispy skin? Turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.

Notes

  1. This Greek-style lemon chicken features juicy, tender thighs in a bright Mediterranean marinade of lemon, herbs, and garlic.
  2. For a beautiful presentation at dinner parties, try garnishing with fresh lemon slices!

Tools You'll Need

  • Casserole dish or baking dish
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large bowl for marinating
  • Instant-read thermometer

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 404
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g