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Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs offer a juicy, tender, and aromatic dinner inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, this dish balances bright citrus notes with savory herbs and crispy skin for a meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend the flavors that will infuse the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, to allow maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat and Prepare to Cook: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin while maintaining juicy meat inside.
  4. Sear the Chicken Thighs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, locking in flavor and texture.
  5. Roast in the Oven: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to an oven-safe dish or skillet, skin side up. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with optional lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Marinate overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  • Pat the skin dry before searing to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
  • Reserve leftover marinade, boil or reduce it to use as a tangy sauce.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing to avoid steaming and promote even browning.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing, Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken, Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken