If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances zesty brightness with cozy, comforting flavors, you have to try this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe. It’s an absolutely delightful mix of tender chicken thighs bathed in a vibrant marinade of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant herbs. The result is juicy chicken with an irresistible crispy, golden top that will have you craving seconds. This recipe is a joyous celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a memorable meal that’s just as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique element—from the brightness of lemon juice to the herbal fragrance of oregano and thyme—creating a symphony of flavors that burst with every bite.
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender while baking, perfect for soaking up the marinade.
- Juice of 2 lemons: The star of the show adding zesty freshness and a subtle tang.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and carries the flavors beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent depth and warmth to the marinade.
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of tangy creaminess and complexity.
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano: Brings that authentic Greek herbaceous note that makes this dish special.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Provides an earthy, slightly minty flavor that complements the lemon nicely.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a light, fresh bite that rounds out the herb profile.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors forward.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the citrus and herbs.
How to Make Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken thighs with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whether you use a large bowl or a ziplock bag, make sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours if you have the time. This marinating step is crucial—it allows all those bright, herbaceous flavors to deeply infuse into the chicken, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste.
Step 2: Preheat and Arrange
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Take the marinated chicken and arrange it in a single layer in a baking dish. Don’t forget to pour all that delicious marinade over the top—this will keep the chicken moist and flavor-packed throughout the baking process.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken for about 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 165-175°F (74-79°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked yet incredibly juicy—a hallmark of the Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe. The chicken will become tender, soaking up the lemon-herb goodness while developing a beautiful, inviting color.
Step 4: Optional Broil for a Golden Finish
If you love a crispy, golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken—it should turn a gorgeous golden brown without burning. This finishing touch adds a lovely texture contrast and an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a big impact here. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top to infuse a fresh pop of green and a burst of herbal brightness. A few thin lemon slices or wedges on the side invite folks to add an extra squeeze of citrus if they want to enhance the tang even more.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines served alongside classic Mediterranean sides. Think fluffy rice pilaf, lemony roasted potatoes, or a vibrant Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Even warm, crusty bread works beautifully to soak up the flavorful juices from the baking dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the chicken straight in the baking dish with garnishes scattered over the top—it’s both rustic and inviting. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a drizzle of the pan juices and a small wedge of lemon artfully placed on the side. For a festive touch, nestle the chicken on a bed of wilted spinach or alongside grilled vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is just as wonderful chilled or reheated. Store any extra chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting overnight, making it a great option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just keep the marinade juices with the chicken to maintain moisture and flavor when freezing and reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, spoon some of the leftover marinade or a splash of water over it to keep it moist, then cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through—about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as the texture is best preserved when reheated gently in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs remain juicier during baking, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used. Just keep an eye on them as they tend to cook faster and can dry out if overbaked. Adjust cooking time accordingly for best results.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
This recipe is best when marinated for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours. Marinating longer than 6 hours isn’t recommended because the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture, making it mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure all your seasonings and Dijon mustard are labeled gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for guests?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken the day before, then simply bake it when your guests arrive. This makes entertaining so much easier because the flavorful prep work is already done.
What if I don’t have dried herbs, can I use fresh?
You sure can! Fresh herbs will bring a different, more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated. Just sprinkle them on before baking or during the last few minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is a little sunshine on a plate, blending simple ingredients into a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings when you want to impress without the fuss. Once you try it, this lemony, aromatic chicken will become a staple in your recipe rotation — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus 2-6 hours marinating time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and classic Greek herbs like oregano, thyme, and dill. Baked to juicy perfection and optionally broiled for a beautifully golden finish, this dish is a flavorful and healthy meal that brings the bright, aromatic tastes of Greece right to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Juice of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2–3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable ziplock bag, combine the chicken thighs with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, thyme, dill, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Seal the bowl or bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to create the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly without drying it out.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish, making sure they are spaced out slightly. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches between 165°F and 175°F (74-79°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Optional Broil: For a golden brown and slightly crispy top, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning and remove once the desired color is achieved.
- Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating time can be adjusted to suit your schedule; longer marinating will result in more flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Broiling is optional but enhances the color and texture of the chicken skinless thighs.
- For a lower sodium option, reduce the kosher salt amount according to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved as needed.
