If you love the bright, zesty flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, you’re going to fall in love with this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are infused with garlicky citrus marinade and baked to golden, herby perfection. Every bite bursts with lemony tang, fragrant herbs, and just a hint of savory sweetness from roasted onions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this is a dish that will lift your spirits and light up your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe lies in its balance of simple, fresh ingredients—all essential for achieving that irresistible Greek flavor profile. Each component plays a delicious role, from punchy garlic to the sunny brightness of fresh lemon.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are key for juicy, flavorful chicken and a crispy, golden finish.
- Olive Oil: Adds depth and ensures the chicken remains wonderfully moist as it bakes.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright and tangy, this infuses the dish with classic Greek freshness.
- Lemon Zest: Packs an extra punch of citrus aroma that takes the flavor to the next level.
- Garlic: Minced garlic melds with the marinade, delivering a warm, savory backbone to the dish.
- Dried Oregano: The quintessential Greek herb—earthy and aromatic for authentic flavor.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle floral note, beautifully complementing the oregano.
- Salt: Brings out all the natural flavors and balances the citrus.
- Black Pepper: Just a touch for gentle, aromatic heat.
- Paprika: Lends warmth and color, making the chicken beautifully golden.
- Red Onion: Roasts up sweet and tender alongside the chicken, infusing the whole pan with extra flavor.
- Lemon Slices: Create dramatic color and deepen the citrus aroma during baking.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, verdant finish and a burst of color when serving.
How to Make Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Gather a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple blend fills your kitchen with Mediterranean aromas—don’t be afraid to taste and adjust if you like a bit more lemon or herbiness! The mixture should look vibrant and smell seriously enticing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then nestle them into a large baking dish or a sturdy cast iron skillet. Pour the marinade right over the chicken, turning each piece so they’re coated on all sides—the more marinade contact, the tastier your final result. For extra flavor, you can cover and refrigerate the chicken for up to 12 hours, but even a quick coating makes a huge impact.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Get Ready to Bake
Tuck sliced red onion and lemon slices around and even slightly under the chicken thighs so they roast and infuse everything with sweetness and citrus. The onions soften and caramelize while the lemon becomes almost candy-like—a dreamy combo!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pan into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until the chicken turns golden, crispy, and cooked through (you’re aiming for an internal temp of 165°F/74°C). About halfway through, baste the chicken with those delicious pan juices for maximum flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once your Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is out of the oven, let it rest for five minutes—this keeps the juices locked in. Just before serving, sprinkle with plenty of fresh parsley for a herbal pop and extra color.
How to Serve Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal finish, but you can also scatter crumbled feta over the top for a creamy, salty highlight. If you want a touch of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a few extra lemon wedges for guests who love extra citrus zing.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe shines alongside roasted potatoes, simple steamed rice, or a vibrant Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. If you want to keep it lighter, a bed of arugula tossed with a light vinaigrette is crisp and peppery perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked chicken family-style straight out of the skillet for a rustic, inviting centerpiece. Or, slice the chicken and layer it over a platter of lemon-infused orzo with roasted veggies. For a party, slide bite-sized pieces of chicken onto skewers with onion and lemon for easy, flavorful appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing flavor or moisture—just the thing for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe freezes like a dream! Place cooled chicken (and any pan juices) into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot throughout—this helps maintain that lovely roasted texture. You can also microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry, just be sure to spoon on any extra pan juices to keep things moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver the juiciest results, boneless pieces or even breast meat can work well—just start checking doneness about 10 minutes earlier, since they cook faster.
How far ahead can I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes or up to 12 hours for the deepest flavor infusion. The longer it sits (in the fridge, covered), the more vibrant and tender the final dish will be.
Is this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. You can easily double (or even triple) this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe for a crowd. Use a larger baking dish or two pans so the chicken has room to brown and cook evenly.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover chicken is fantastic shredded into a pita wrap, tossed into salads, or added to grain bowls with roasted veggies for quick meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I hope you get a chance to bring this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe into your kitchen soon—it’s overflowing with flavor, warmth, and Mediterranean sunshine. Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget to share a slice (or two) with someone you love. Happy cooking!
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Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture, baked to perfection, and served with a garnish of fresh parsley. A delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Additional:
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Marinate the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Add red onion and lemon slices around the chicken.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through. Baste with pan juices halfway through baking.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with your choice of side dish.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken for up to 12 hours for more flavor.
- This recipe also works well with bone-in chicken breasts or drumsticks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
