This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty lemon-herb mixture, then baked to perfection for a tender, aromatic meal. With its bright citrus notes, earthy herbs, and a hint of tanginess from Dijon mustard, this dish is simple yet unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Juicy & Flavorful: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay moist and absorb all the marinade’s goodness.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep with big flavor payoff—perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fresh ingredients like lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs 🍗
- Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ) 🍋
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 🫒
- 3 cloves garlic , minced 🧄
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken 🥄
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Ensure there’s enough room for the marinade to coat each piece evenly. If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed to properly absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Create the Marinade 🍋
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice , olive oil , minced garlic , Dijon mustard , dried oregano , thyme , dill , paprika , salt , and pepper .
- Continue whisking until the mixture becomes slightly emulsified and uniform in appearance. The Dijon mustard helps bind the oil and lemon juice, creating a silky, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken 🥄
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely coated.
- Seal the container or bag well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours , though 6 hours delivers optimal flavor penetration. The lemon juice will tenderize the meat while the herbs infuse throughout.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare 🔥
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish large enough to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake properly, which would result in less flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection 🍳
- Transfer the chicken along with all the marinade into the baking dish, spreading the pieces in a single layer.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes , or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165–175°F (74–80°C) . The marinade will create its own delicious sauce during baking.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches 🧀
- For an appetizing golden finish, switch your oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes , watching carefully to prevent burning. This step caramelizes the top of the chicken and intensifies the flavors of the herbs and lemon.
Step 7: Serve 🍽️
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Spoon the delicious pan sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra dill for a pop of color.
Tips for Success:
- Double the Marinade: Use extra marinade to drizzle over the chicken after baking or as a dipping sauce for sides.
- Add Veggies: Toss chopped potatoes, carrots, or zucchini into the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze Option: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Fat: ~15g
Enjoy this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken as a bright, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its juicy chicken, zesty lemon marinade, and aromatic herbs transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. Whether served as a main course or paired with your favorite sides, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
