Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the scent of Greek Lemon Chicken roasting in the oven, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of zesty citrus and savory herbs. This dish is a beautiful combination of tender, juicy chicken marinated in a bright and flavorful lemon-garlic mixture, then roasted to golden perfection.

this Recipe

My love for Greek cuisine inspired me to recreate this recipe at home after tasting a similar dish on a trip to Athens. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with a new dinnertime classic. This Greek Lemon Chicken is bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to suit any occasion.

First, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. The lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic marinade infuse the chicken with a tangy, aromatic essence that brings the Mediterranean straight to your table. Paired with oregano and a hint of black pepper, this dish is a true flavor explosion.

Next, it’s a stress-free recipe perfect for busy nights. You only need a few minutes of hands-on prep time before letting the oven do the work. That means you can spend more time with family or prepping a simple side dish while dinner practically cooks itself.

If you’re looking to impress, this recipe delivers. Golden, crispy skin and succulent, tender meat make a stunning presentation. Plus, the flavors are crowd-pleasers, making it ideal for dinner parties or potlucks.

Finally, it’s highly adaptable. Whether you prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs or lean chicken breasts, you can customize this recipe to fit your taste or dietary preferences. And don't worry—I'll walk you through the options and tips for the best results.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Greek Lemon Chicken lies in the balance of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential.

Chicken: I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The skin gets crispy, while the bone helps keep the meat moist during roasting. However, you can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times.

Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must. It provides the signature zesty tang that defines this dish. You'll also need lemon zest, which adds a more intense citrus aroma. Don’t skimp on this step; the combination of juice and zest really elevates the flavors.

Garlic: Bold, aromatic garlic is a crucial element of the marinade. Use fresh cloves for the best result and mince them finely to distribute the flavor evenly. The garlic mellows as it roasts, creating a rich and savory depth to the chicken.

Olive Oil: A good-quality extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together, lending a silky texture and subtle fruitiness to the marinade. It's essential for both flavor and for helping the chicken develop that beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Oregano: Dried oregano adds an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly. If you have fresh oregano on hand, feel free to add some as a garnish after the chicken comes out of the oven.

Potatoes: While optional, roasting some potatoes alongside the chicken makes this a one-pan meal. The potatoes absorb the delicious marinade and come out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into wedges.

You’ll also need salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a bit of chicken broth to keep everything moist as it roasts. No special equipment is necessary, just a sturdy baking dish or sheet pan.

How To Make This Greek Lemon Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering Greek Lemon Chicken is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner.

Start by preparing your marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The aroma at this stage is already heavenly and gives you a taste of what’s to come.

Next, add your chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion. If you’re in a rush, even 10-15 minutes will do the trick.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a large baking dish or on a rimmed sheet pan, skin side up. If you’re adding potatoes, toss them in a bit of olive oil and any leftover marinade, then spread them around the chicken. Pour a splash of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep everything juicy and prevent burning.

Roast the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden. Baste the chicken with the pan juices once or twice during cooking for even more flavor. If the skin is browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.

Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures every bite is tender and flavorful. Your total time in the kitchen is about an hour, but most of that is hands-off, letting you multitask with ease.

Storage Options

Leftover Greek Lemon Chicken stores beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the skin won’t be as crispy.

If you have leftover potatoes, store them separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. Reheat them in the oven or in a skillet to restore their crispness.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Greek Lemon Chicken is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize the recipe to your liking.

For a lighter version, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as they will cook faster than bone-in pieces. You may also want to add an extra splash of olive oil to keep them from drying out.

Want to boost the flavor even more? Add a handful of Kalamata olives or some crumbled feta cheese in the last 10 minutes of roasting. The briny, salty elements pair beautifully with the lemony chicken.

If you're feeding a vegetarian crowd, use the marinade on hearty vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply roast them until tender, and you have a delicious plant-based main or side dish.

For a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients are certified. If you’re serving it with a side of bread, choose a gluten-free loaf or skip it altogether in favor of extra potatoes.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides. A simple Greek salad or a plate of warm, fluffy pita bread makes an excellent accompaniment. Experiment, have fun, and make this dish your own!

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