Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-492099H48M23S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs; ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup lemon juice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Description

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Baked to perfection, it offers tender, juicy meat with a crisp, golden skin, making it a perfect main dish for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 bone-in chicken thighs

Marinade

⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Make the marinade: In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 8 hours to deepen the flavors.
Transfer to baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the top to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during baking.
Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and cook the chicken for 40 to 45 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness—it should register 175°F (80°C) when fully cooked. Optionally, baste the chicken a few times during cooking to enhance moisture and flavor. For crispier skin, switch on the oven’s top broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired before serving.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 8 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safe consumption.
Basting the chicken during baking helps keep it moist and flavorful.
Broiling briefly at the end crisps the skin nicely without drying the meat.
Serve with lemon slices or fresh herbs like parsley for a bright, fresh finish.