Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs (about 6-8 pieces); ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons dried dill; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Lemon slices; Fresh chopped parsley or fresh oregano

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Introduction

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, these chicken thighs bake to crispy, golden perfection with minimal effort.

A white rectangular baking dish holds six pieces of golden-brown roasted chicken thighs with a slightly crispy texture, each sprinkled with small bits of garlic and herbs. Bright yellow lemon wedges are placed around and on the chicken, adding a fresh contrast. Small green herb leaves are scattered on top of the chicken thighs for garnish. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, surrounded by fresh asparagus on a white plate, lemon halves, a jar of red pepper flakes, a small bowl with a golden spoon, fresh green herbs, and a bulb of garlic. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs (about 6-8)
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons dried dill
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Lemon slices (optional for garnish)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried dill, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours to let the flavors infuse.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the chicken thighs to a large baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over them.
Step 5: Bake the chicken uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Step 6: For extra crispy skin, switch your oven to broil on high and broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve the chicken thighs garnished with lemon slices and fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a faster marinade, let the chicken sit at room temperature with the marinade for 30 minutes before baking.
Substitute fresh oregano or thyme for dried dill for a different herbal note.
Add sliced red onions or bell peppers to the baking dish for a complete meal.
If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, reduce the baking time to around 25-30 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy skin, or warm gently in the microwave.

How to Serve

The image shows a white baking dish filled with three pieces of roasted chicken thighs, each with golden brown, slightly crispy skin topped with small bits of garlic and fresh green herb leaves. The chicken sits in a pool of light yellow cooking juices. A metal spatula is lifting one chicken piece from the dish. To the right, a white plate holds a bunch of bright green cooked asparagus spears. The background is a white marbled texture with sprigs of fresh herbs and a bulb of garlic nearby, all under bright, natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time to about 25-30 minutes and watch closely to prevent overcooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just season the chicken well before baking for decent flavor.