Description: This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe delivers succulent, flavorful chicken thighs bathed in a bright, zesty marinade of lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time while still delivering a restaurant-quality dish. The marinade does most of the work, infusing the chicken with vibrant flavors.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and comforting. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This Greek Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. You can easily customize the herbs and spices to your liking.
- Healthy and Delicious: This recipe utilizes lean chicken thighs and healthy olive oil, making it a nutritious and delicious option for a balanced meal. The bright lemon juice adds a refreshing element that’s both flavorful and invigorating.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a good chicken dish, and this Greek Lemon Chicken is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The savory, tangy flavor profile appeals to a wide range of palates.
Introduction:
Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this simple yet stunning Greek Lemon Chicken recipe. This dish is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that are characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. The secret lies in the marinade, a harmonious blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and thyme, which infuses the chicken with an irresistible zestiness and herbaceous aroma.
This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. It requires minimal effort, with the majority of the work being done by the marinade. The result is tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin and a flavor that will have you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this Greek Lemon Chicken is sure to delight. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed lands of Greece!
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and fragrant marinade. This marinade is the heart of the dish, so don’t be afraid to give it a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or a squeeze more lemon juice for extra tanginess. The goal is to create a marinade that is both flavorful and balanced, perfectly complementing the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it penetrates every nook and cranny. This will allow the flavors to fully infuse the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Cover the bowl or seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-8 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavor will be. However, avoid marinating for more than 8 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken fibers, resulting in a slightly mushy texture.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This temperature will allow the chicken to cook evenly and thoroughly, resulting in juicy, tender meat. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking dish. You can use a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish that will comfortably fit all the chicken thighs in a single layer.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, skin side up. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Basting the chicken with the pan juices every 15 minutes or so will help to keep it moist and add even more flavor.
Step 5: Crisp the Skin (Optional)
For extra crispy skin, turn on the top oven broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this time, as it can burn quickly. The broiler will help to caramelize the skin, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy to your liking, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Greek Lemon Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add a colorful and healthy element to the meal.
- Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a simple vinaigrette is a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs and lemon zest is a delicious and satisfying side.
- Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even Greek lemon potatoes are all great options.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful pan juices.
Tips:
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish, as this can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
- If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes + Marinating Time
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Conclusion:
This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a true culinary gem that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with its vibrant flavors, makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. The tender, juicy chicken, infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme, will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home. Kali Orexi! (Bon appétit!)
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that they will cook faster and may not be as juicy as bone-in, skin-on thighs. Reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and check for doneness frequently. Also, you won’t get the crispy skin that bone-in, skin-on thighs provide, which adds a nice textural element to the dish. If using boneless skinless thighs, consider searing them in a hot skillet before baking to add some color and flavor.
Q2: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
A: While marinating the chicken overnight can intensify the flavors, it’s not recommended for extended periods with lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken fibers, resulting in a slightly mushy texture. A marinating time of 2-8 hours is ideal for achieving the best flavor and texture. If you want to prep ahead, marinate the chicken in the morning and cook it in the evening. If you prefer a longer marinating time, consider reducing the amount of lemon juice in the marinade.
Q3: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
A: Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will impart a smoky flavor that complements the lemon and herbs beautifully. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C). Be sure to keep a close eye on the chicken and move it to a cooler part of the grill if it starts to burn. Basting the chicken with the remaining marinade during grilling will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the baking dish while the chicken is cooking?
A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to the baking dish along with the chicken. This is a great way to create a one-pan meal. Hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions work well, as they can withstand the longer cooking time. Add them to the baking dish along with the chicken, tossing them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Softer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers can be added during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Q5: Can I freeze leftover Greek Lemon Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Greek Lemon Chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave. Keep in mind that the texture of the chicken may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but it will still be delicious. Reheating in the oven is generally preferable to maintain the crispness of the skin.
