Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then roasted to perfection for crispy skin and tender meat. A flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a wholesome dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs (about 6–8 pieces)
Marinade
- 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
Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh chopped parsley or fresh oregano
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Place them in a large bowl and set aside while you prepare the marinade.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried dill, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the seasoned chicken thighs making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a large baking dish in a single layer and pour any remaining marinade on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- Crisp the Skin: For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh chopped parsley or oregano if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour improves flavor and tenderness; up to 3 hours is ideal but avoid over-marinating to prevent texture changes.
- Using bone-in thighs helps keep the meat juicy during baking.
- If you do not have an instant-read thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when pierced with a fork to confirm doneness.
- Garnishes like lemon slices and fresh herbs add a fresh brightness to the dish but are optional.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken thighs, baked chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, easy dinner, herb marinated chicken
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/greek-lemon-chicken-thighs-recipe/
