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Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean dish featuring tender chicken infused with fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and herbs. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a comforting home-cooked meal that pairs well with numerous sides and accommodates various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)

Marinade

  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken thighs in this marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to absorb the flavors deeply.
  2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While preheating, arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in a roasting pan or baking dish, skin side up to allow the skin to crisp beautifully.
  3. Roast Until Golden and Juicy: Place the chicken in the oven and roast for approximately 35-40 minutes. The skin should become golden brown, and the juices should run clear when pierced. Baste the chicken once or twice with pan juices during cooking for extra juiciness.
  4. Garnish and Serve: After removing the chicken from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a bit of extra lemon zest on top for brightness. Serve warm with your favorite sides to enjoy the full Greek Lemon Chicken experience.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Allow chicken to come to room temperature before cooking for even roasting.
  • Use skin-on chicken to achieve a crisp texture and lock in moisture.
  • Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking to keep it juicy.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after roasting to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek Lemon Chicken, Mediterranean chicken, baked chicken, lemon garlic chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner