Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 216 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and traditional Greek herbs. The flavorful marinade infuses deeply into the chicken, which is then baked to perfection, making it a simple yet delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 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 salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried dill, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  2. Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly and thoroughly.
  3. Arrange Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and place the thighs in a single layer inside a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful during baking.
  4. Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. To ensure safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches between 165°F and 175°F, indicating that the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Broil for Color (Optional): For a nicely browned, slightly crispy top, switch your oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours is crucial to develop maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • If you prefer a tangier taste, you can add more lemon juice to the marinade.
  • Adjust salt according to your preference or dietary needs.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • This chicken pairs wonderfully with Greek sides like tzatziki, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.