The Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe for Zesty Family Dinners

Succulent Greek lemon chicken brings zesty Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table.

Marinated in bright citrus and herbs, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender pieces of chicken absorb a vibrant blend of garlic, oregano, and fresh lemon juice.

Juicy meat comes alive with tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients create magic in this classic Greek-inspired recipe.

Each bite transports you to a sun-drenched Greek island, filled with warmth and robust flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible meal.

Greek Lemon Chicken with Zesty Mediterranean Flavors

• Savor Authentic Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a zesty chicken dish that brings the sunny taste of Greece right to your dining table, bursting with bright lemon and aromatic herbs.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pan wonder requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it a perfect solution for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes optional ingredients and allows flexible cooking styles, so you can adapt it to your family's preferences or what's in your pantry.
• Nutritious and Satisfying Meal: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and bold seasonings, this chicken dish offers a balanced and wholesome dinner that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the star of this Greek-inspired dish.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute the marinade evenly.
• Garlic: Brings a robust, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Oregano: A classic Greek herb that adds an authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavors.

• Potatoes: Hearty side that absorbs the delicious marinade and chicken juices.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps prevent the chicken from drying out during baking.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and light herbal note.

How to Cook Greek Lemon Chicken to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Zesty Marinade

• Fresh lemon juice
• Bright lemon zest
• Smooth olive oil
• Crushed garlic
• Fragrant oregano
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they dance together in perfect harmony.

Step 3: Bathe the Chicken

Plunge the chicken into the marinade, massaging every inch to ensure it’s completely covered.

Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread the marinated chicken in a spacious baking dish, surrounding it with chunks of hearty potatoes.

Step 5: Add Moisture

Pour chicken broth gently around the chicken and potatoes, creating a juicy environment.

Step 6: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to start cooking.

Step 7: Uncover and Finish Cooking

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

If you want to add any extra ingredients like herbs or vegetables, now’s the time.

Bake for another 20-25 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired feast!

Pro Tips for Tender and Flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken

• Let chicken sit in lemon mixture for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Cover dish with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent chicken from drying out.
• Cut potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking and crispy exterior.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Variations to Try with Greek Lemon Chicken

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Variation: Replace oregano with a blend of rosemary, thyme, and basil for a fragrant herbal profile that elevates the classic Greek chicken recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly version that maintains the same zesty lemon flavor and tender chicken texture.
• Spicy Greek Fusion: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to the marinade for a fiery kick that transforms the traditional recipe into a bold, spice-infused meal.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Adaptation: Substitute chicken with young jackfruit marinated in the same lemon and herb mixture, creating a plant-based option that mimics the original recipe's robust flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Greek Lemon Chicken

• Mediterranean Dinner Delight: Pair this zesty chicken with a crisp Greek salad topped with feta cheese for a complete Mediterranean experience.
• Hearty Comfort Plate: Serve alongside fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the delicious lemony pan juices and create a satisfying meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chopped dill over the chicken just before serving to enhance the bright, fresh flavors and add a vibrant green touch.
• Wine Companion Pairing: Choose a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy lemon and herbal notes of the chicken.

How to Store Greek Lemon Chicken Safely

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350F, place chicken in baking dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade so flavorful?

The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and oregano creates a bright, tangy mixture that deeply infuses the chicken with classic Greek Mediterranean flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with zesty goodness.

• Can I use chicken pieces instead of whole chicken?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut – bone-in pieces typically take slightly longer to cook than boneless cuts.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for exactly 20 minutes?

While 20 minutes is ideal for flavor absorption, you can marinate for 10-30 minutes. Just avoid marinating too long, as the acid from lemon can start breaking down chicken’s texture if left more than an hour.

Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent greek lemon chicken blends Mediterranean flavors with tender roasted poultry. Zesty citrus and herbs create a classic Greek dish you’ll savor with crusty bread and a fresh salad.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs

Produce:

• 2 large lemons (juiced and zested)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large red onion (sliced)
• 2 medium tomatoes (quartered)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Combine zesty lemon juice, fragrant garlic, aromatic oregano, rich olive oil, and seasoning in a mixing vessel to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and allow flavors to infuse for approximately 20 minutes at room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a spacious baking dish for roasting.
4. Strategically position marinated chicken in the baking dish, surrounding it with hearty potatoes for enhanced flavor and accompaniment.
5. Gently pour chicken broth around the protein to maintain moisture during cooking.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for initial roasting.
7. Roast covered for 30 minutes, allowing chicken to absorb marinade and begin cooking evenly.
8. Remove foil, revealing the partially cooked dish, and add optional complementary ingredients if desired.
9. Continue roasting uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until chicken achieves a golden exterior and reaches complete internal doneness.
10. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finishing touch.
12. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a delectable Greek-inspired culinary creation.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality lemons to enhance the zesty flavor profile and ensure maximum citrus punch.
• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense seasoning.
• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
• Adjust cooking time based on chicken size and thickness to prevent drying out while ensuring safe internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg