Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Greek Lemon Chicken sizzling in your kitchen, with its bright citrusy notes and warm, savory spices. This dish is a family favorite, perfect for weeknights when you need something both hearty and vibrant.

I remember the first time I made this recipe: it was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and I was experimenting with flavors that could make ordinary chicken extraordinary. Little did I know, this simple yet flavorful dish would become a staple, requested by everyone in my family week after week.

Get ready to take your taste buds on a Mediterranean journey!

Why You'll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest and most flavorful chicken dishes you'll ever make. Greek Lemon Chicken is simple enough for a weeknight yet sophisticated enough to impress guests.

First off, this dish is all about bold and vibrant flavors. The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano infuses every bite of chicken, making it incredibly savory and delicious. You’ll taste sunshine and the Mediterranean in each mouthful.

It’s also a one-pan wonder! You can sear your chicken, add your sauce, and finish everything in the oven with minimal cleanup. This is a perfect option for busy nights when you want something tasty but don’t have time for extra dishes.

Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it’s also healthy. With minimal oil and loads of fresh ingredients, you’re serving up a meal that’s light yet satisfying, pairing beautifully with simple sides like roasted potatoes or a crisp Greek salad.

The best part? It’s totally customizable. If you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe doubles easily. Make a big batch, and you'll have delicious leftovers to look forward to!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Greek Lemon Chicken is in its carefully chosen yet simple ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish truly shine.

The star of this recipe is chicken thighs. Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for this dish, as they stay tender and juicy during cooking while developing a perfectly crispy skin. If you prefer chicken breasts, they’ll work too, though the texture might be slightly drier.

Next, the lemon brings bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken. Fresh lemon juice is essential here – bottled lemon juice simply won’t provide the same fresh, zesty flavor. We also use lemon zest to maximize the citrusy aroma.

Garlic adds depth and savoriness. Use freshly minced garlic cloves for the most robust flavor, and don’t skimp! Garlic is a key component in achieving the authentic Greek taste we’re after.

Dried oregano is another essential ingredient. Greek oregano has a more pungent and earthy flavor than the Italian variety, so try to find it if possible. It’s the herb that gives the dish its unmistakable Greek character.

You’ll also need extra-virgin olive oil. This oil forms the base of the marinade and brings a rich, fruity flavor. A high-quality olive oil will make a noticeable difference in this dish.

Finally, we use chicken broth to create a luscious, flavorful sauce. It keeps the chicken moist as it cooks and mingles beautifully with the lemon and herbs. If you like a little extra flavor, you can use white wine instead of broth.

No special equipment is needed, but a heavy, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan is perfect for getting a good sear on the chicken and transitioning smoothly to the oven.

How To Make This Greek Lemon Chicken

Creating this Greek Lemon Chicken is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important because it ensures that the skin will crisp up nicely when seared. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and hot. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Next, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine, scraping up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add a ton of flavor to the sauce!

Stir in the juice of two fresh lemons, along with a teaspoon of lemon zest and a generous sprinkle of dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for a minute, then return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly. If you’d like, you can broil the chicken for the last couple of minutes to get the skin extra crispy. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

This whole process takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Greek Lemon Chicken store beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or future dinners. Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container.

You can refrigerate the chicken for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually develop further as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious! For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

When it comes to reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the chicken in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps keep the meat juicy and the skin crisp.

For a quicker option, you can reheat it in the microwave, though the skin will lose its crispiness. If you prefer the stovetop, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Greek Lemon Chicken is how adaptable it is. If you’re feeling creative, here are some delicious variations to try.

For a twist, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks instead of thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts will cook faster. Remember to keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid drying them out.

Want to make this recipe vegetarian? Try swapping the chicken for cauliflower steaks or thick slices of zucchini. Simply adjust the roasting time to ensure the vegetables become tender and caramelized.

You can also add a burst of color and nutrition by tossing in kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes before transferring the skillet to the oven. The olives add a salty brininess that pairs beautifully with the lemony sauce, while the tomatoes add a touch of sweetness.

If you’re in the mood for something extra hearty, serve the chicken over a bed of orzo pasta or lemon rice. The grains will soak up all that flavorful sauce, creating a perfect one-dish meal.

Finally, feel free to experiment with herbs. While oregano is traditional, a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary would add a delightful herbal twist to the dish.

With this recipe, you’re not just limited to one version – you can make it your own! Enjoy your culinary journey through the Mediterranean!

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