Print

Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken
Print Recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, and oregano. Roasted to crispy perfection with a bright, zesty flavor and fragrant herbs, this recipe is quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade

  • Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Additional

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional, for basting and moisture)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with bright flavors and tenderize the meat.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the meat to absorb maximum flavor.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken skin crisps up nicely while the inside remains juicy.
  4. Arrange Chicken and Roast: Place the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up in a baking dish or sheet pan. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken and optionally add chicken broth or water to the pan for extra moisture and basting. Roast uncovered for 35-45 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F /74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—fresh juice and zest make a significant difference compared to bottled lemon juice.
  • Do not skip marinating; at least 30 minutes is necessary to achieve bright citrus notes.
  • Pat chicken dry before roasting to help create crispy, golden skin.
  • Rotate the baking pan halfway through cooking for even browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, Mediterranean chicken, baked chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy dinner recipe, healthy chicken, gluten free

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/greek-lemon-chicken/