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Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

Master the art of Greek Lemon Chicken with this easy and flavorful recipe delivering tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and Mediterranean sunshine in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests, this naturally gluten-free dish balances fresh, vibrant ingredients with comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in, skin-on thighs recommended for juiciness)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Roasting

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Optional Garnishes and Sides

  • Freshly chopped parsley
  • Lemon zest curls
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Roasted potatoes, Greek salad, couscous, steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, pita bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until well blended to create a vibrant marinade full of bright, fragrant flavors ready to infuse the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 4 hours to maximize flavor and tenderness.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or roasting pan and spread out the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring each piece contacts the pan evenly for best cooking results.
  4. Add Broth and Roast: Pour chicken broth or water into the dish to maintain moisture and create a light pan sauce. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning chicken halfway through to brown all sides evenly and keep it juicy.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides and garnish with parsley, lemon zest, or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor and acidity.
  • Marinating longer enhances flavor depth and juiciness.
  • Rotate chicken pieces halfway through roasting for even browning.
  • Always let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices.
  • Bone-in, skin-on thighs yield the most succulent results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek Lemon Chicken, Mediterranean chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked lemon chicken, gluten free chicken