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
Scale
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.
