This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering! Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs, all baked to perfection in the oven. This recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it a versatile and convenient option for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Aromatic: The marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious and aromatic flavor profile that infuses the chicken with incredible taste.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
Healthy and Satisfying: Chicken thighs are a lean source of protein, and the addition of fresh herbs and lemon juice makes this dish a healthy and satisfying choice.
Versatile: Serve this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It’s also great for meal prepping or using in sandwiches and wraps.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Use high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the marinade.
Olive oil: Used in the marinade and helps to keep the chicken moist during baking.
Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory kick.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the marinade.
Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.
Dried dill: Adds a fresh herb flavor with a hint of anise.
Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Baked Greek Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for 2-6 hours to allow the chicken to marinate.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165-175°F.

Step 3: Broil and Serve

For a more golden brown and crispy exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute,¹ resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken adds a depth of flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.
Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: Arrange the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your oven.
Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

How to Serve

This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf complements the bright flavors of the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers, add a healthy and colorful touch.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Orzo: Orzo pasta tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs is a delicious and light accompaniment.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can! However, chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly.

2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can! If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of each.

3. Can I make this recipe without the marinade? Yes, you can! Simply season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before baking. However, the marinade adds a significant amount of flavor and helps to tenderize the chicken.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the marinade? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.

This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation, versatile serving options, and bright Mediterranean flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!