Description
This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and traditional Greek herbs. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection and optionally broiled for a golden finish, it’s an easy and delicious meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
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 kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl or 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 the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the marinated chicken.
- Arrange Chicken: Place 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 Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 165°F and 175°F (74-79°C), indicating that the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Broil (Optional): For an attractive golden-brown finish, broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to 6 hours, enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly and safe to eat.
- Optional broiling step adds a crispy, browned exterior but can be skipped if preferred.
- Kosher salt amount can be adjusted to taste based on dietary needs.
- Serve with Greek sides like tzatziki, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
