If you crave a dish that bursts with bright citrus flavors and savory herbs, this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken thighs soak up a delightful marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and a bouquet of traditional Greek spices, then bake to perfection with a golden, slightly crisp finish. It’s simple comfort food with a Mediterranean twist that feels both refreshing and hearty, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests who love a little sunshine on their plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a crucial role to build the vibrant layers of flavor. Fresh citrus sharpness, earthy herbs, and subtle heat combine to make every bite unforgettable.
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide tender, juicy meat that holds flavors beautifully and cooks evenly.
- Juice of 2 lemons: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
- ¼ cup olive oil: A staple in Greek cooking, olive oil enriches the marinade with fruity notes and helps keep the chicken moist.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic packs a punch of savory depth that perfectly complements the lemon.
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and acts as a binder for the marinade.
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano: This classic herb brings warm, slightly peppery flavors synonymous with Greek dishes.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Thyme adds an earthy, herbal nuance that balances the marinade’s brightness.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Dill gives a fresh, almost grassy hint that lifts the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For color and mild smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and layers complexity into the marinade.
How to Make Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the boneless chicken thighs in a large bowl or a sealable bag with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and all your dried herbs and spices. Mixing everything well ensures each piece of chicken is fully coated, which allows the bold flavors to really soak in. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let it marinate for a minimum of two hours. Ideally, plan ahead and give it up to six hours—this step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Step 2: Preheat and Arrange the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish, pouring any remaining marinade over the top. This ensures the chickens stay juicy while baking, and the herbs and lemon continue to infuse as they cook.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken for around 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 165-175°F (74-79°C). This range guarantees perfectly cooked chicken that’s moist and safe to eat. The marinade will create a lovely sauce with all those lovely Greek flavors mingling in the baking dish.
Step 4: Optional Broil for a Golden Finish
If you’re in the mood for some extra color and crispiness, broil the chicken for the final 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn—this quick step adds an irresistible golden brown crust that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh, vibrant finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top right before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side invite an extra squeeze of brightness. Crumbled feta cheese can also add a creamy, salty touch that complements the herbs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Mediterranean sides such as fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta. Mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf also soak up the lemony sauce perfectly for a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve your Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe stuffed inside warm pita bread with tzatziki and greens for a handheld dinner. Or pile it over a bed of sautéed greens and quinoa to transform it into a healthier, hearty bowl that’s as colorful on the plate as it is on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it makes a fantastic lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs by wrapping them tightly or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to preserve juiciness. Microwaving is quick but might dry out the chicken, so covering it with a damp paper towel helps keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work if you prefer leaner meat, but watch the cooking time closely as breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. Consider marinating a bit longer to keep them moist.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for hours?
While you can marinate for as little as 30 minutes in a pinch, letting the chicken soak up those lemon and herb flavors for 2-6 hours really makes a delicious difference in tenderness and taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this baked chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your Dijon mustard and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten.
What can I substitute for dried herbs?
Fresh herbs work wonderfully here—just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. For example, 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of 1 teaspoon dried will brighten the dish even more.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to check with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken thighs is between 165 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit. The meat should be opaque and juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant, the Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe should definitely be on your weekly dinner rotation. It’s a wonderful way to bring fresh, Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Go ahead and try it—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special!
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Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
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 and spices. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a delicious and healthy meal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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 a ziplock bag, combine the chicken thighs with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried dill, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs evenly in a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Bake until the internal temperature reaches between 165-175°F (74-79°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Broil to Finish (Optional): For a crispy, golden brown exterior, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Pair this dish with Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce the amount of salt or use a salt substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
