Baked Greek Lemon Chicken

This baked Greek lemon chicken has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its Mediterranean flair and incredible depth of flavor. The bright citrus notes balanced with aromatic herbs create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a Greek taverna, yet requires minimal hands-on time.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something impressive yet effortless for unexpected dinner guests. The combination of lemony brightness and herb-infused chicken was such a hit that it has become my signature dish whenever family visits.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Provide the perfect canvas for the marinade while staying juicy and tender throughout baking
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and tenderizes the meat naturally
• Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a silky marinade that helps herbs adhere to the chicken
• Minced garlic: Infuses aromatics throughout every bite of chicken
• Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier that binds the marinade together while adding subtle tanginess
• Dried oregano: Brings authentic Greek flavor that stands up well to baking
• Thyme: Contributes earthy notes that complement the lemon beautifully
• Dill: Adds a fresh herbal dimension that whispers of Mediterranean coastlines
• Paprika: Provides subtle color and mild sweetness to balance the acidity
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all other flavors and ensure properly seasoned meat

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How To Make Baked Greek Lemon Chicken

Prepare the chicken:

Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag ensuring there's plenty of room for the marinade to coat each piece evenly. If using frozen chicken, make sure it's completely thawed to properly absorb the flavors.

Create the marinade:

Combine fresh lemon juice, quality olive oil, finely minced garlic, dijon mustard and all herbs and spices in a separate bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes slightly emulsified and uniform in appearance. The dijon mustard helps bind the oil and lemon juice together creating a perfect coating.

Marinate the chicken:

Pour your prepared marinade over the chicken ensuring each piece gets 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 works during this time to tenderize the meat while herbs infuse throughout.

Preheat and prepare:

Set your oven to 350°F allowing it to fully preheat while you arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish. The dish should be large enough that chicken pieces aren't overcrowded which would cause them to steam rather than bake properly.

Bake to perfection:

Transfer the chicken along with all the marinade into your baking dish spreading pieces in a single layer. Bake for approximately 40 minutes until the internal temperature registers between 165-175°F. The marinade will create its own delicious sauce during baking.

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.

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My absolute favorite component of this recipe is the transformative power of the dijon mustard. When I first experimented with this dish, I accidentally doubled the amount called for, and discovered it created an incredible velvety texture in the sauce that perfectly clings to the chicken. This happy accident has become my secret technique for elevated Greek chicken that friends always rave about.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

This Greek lemon chicken actually improves with time making it perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours before cooking which deepens the flavor profile significantly. Once cooked, leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue developing making day two even more delicious than day one. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a 300°F oven with a splash of water or chicken stock to maintain moisture.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

While this chicken is magnificent on its own, it becomes a complete meal when paired with simple sides. Serve alongside fluffy Greek lemon rice to soak up the incredible sauce, or with roasted potatoes tossed with similar herbs for flavor consistency. For a lighter option, place the chicken atop a bed of crisp romaine with cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired salad. The leftover chicken also makes incredible wraps or sandwiches the next day simply add tzatziki, sliced red onion, and fresh tomatoes.

Cultural Context and Significance

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Greek cooking where lemon, olive oil, and herbs form the foundation of countless dishes. In Greek households, similar preparations are often served for Sunday family gatherings or celebrations. The combination of lemon and herbs particularly oregano is signature to Greek cooking dating back centuries. While my version uses chicken thighs for convenience and consistent results, you could adapt this recipe using a whole spatchcocked chicken as many Greek families would traditionally prepare it for special occasions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop. For best results, marinate for up to 6 hours.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or a serving of fluffy rice to complement the flavors.

→ Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless thighs?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. Adjust the baking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How do I achieve a crispy finish on the chicken?

Broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to create a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead and bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to develop further.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken can be portioned into individual containers with sides for easy meal prep solutions.