Quick Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe That’ll Brighten Your Dinner

Succulent Greek lemon chicken dances with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that awaken your senses.

Zesty citrus notes mingle perfectly with aromatic herbs and tender meat.

Bright yellow lemons create a tangy marinade that infuses every bite with sunshine.

Delicate chicken pieces absorb rich garlic and oregano essences during slow roasting.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural juiciness of each morsel.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy contrast to the bright, sharp marinade.

You’ll want to savor this simple yet elegant dish that transports you straight to a coastal Greek taverna.

Dig into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a culinary journey.

Greek Lemon Chicken: What Makes It a Classic

• Boost Flavor Profile: Tangy lemon and aromatic herbs transform ordinary chicken into a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish that dances with bright, refreshing flavors.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Marinading requires minimal effort, with basic ingredients easily found in most kitchens, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Healthy Protein Option: Lean chicken breasts packed with herbs offer a nutritious meal that's low in calories and high in protein, supporting balanced eating without sacrificing taste.
• Quick Kitchen Success: From marinating to baking, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, ensuring even novice cooks can create a impressive dinner with confidence.

Ingredients That Bring Greek Lemon Chicken to Life

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh poultry cut that serves as the primary protein for this Greek-inspired dish.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus components that provide tangy flavor and help tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Rich Mediterranean oil that helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Greek flavor to the marinade.

• Oregano, Thyme: Classic Mediterranean herbs that contribute authentic Greek taste and herbal complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Bright finishing touches that add color, freshness, and extra citrus zest to the completed dish.

Stepwise Preparation of Greek Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and combine fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Transfer chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow ceramic dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets completely coated.

Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let the chicken soak up those incredible Mediterranean flavors for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Step 3: Prepare Oven

Turn the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Roast Chicken

Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator and place pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and chicken juices appear clear.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven.

Slice the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and bright lemon wedges. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Tips to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Flavor

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for the full 4 hours, allowing herbs and citrus to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for brighter, more vibrant taste compared to bottled alternatives.
• Check chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasoning adhere better and create a more even coating.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or Greek salad to complement the lemony, herbaceous chicken flavors.

Flavor Enhancements That Complement Greek Lemon Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace oregano and thyme with rosemary and basil for a different aromatic profile that highlights Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Citrus Version: Add red pepper flakes and swap lemon for lime juice to create a zesty, heat-packed chicken alternative with a kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Skip marinating in a bag and use a glass dish. Increase olive oil content and reduce marinade sugar to make this recipe completely keto-friendly.
• Grilling Alternative: Instead of baking, grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, achieving beautiful char marks and smoky flavor.

Side Dishes to Enjoy with Greek Lemon Chicken

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Slice chicken and arrange over a bed of herbed couscous, garnished with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a complete Greek-inspired meal.
• Zesty Salad Topper: Chop cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss over a crisp romaine salad with cucumber, red onion, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.
• Wrap Adventure: Shred the lemon chicken and stuff into warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, and mixed greens for a quick and satisfying handheld meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Meal Prep Champion: Store sliced chicken in airtight containers with extra lemon wedges for easy protein additions to grain bowls, quick lunches, or dinner plates throughout the week.

Storing Greek Lemon Chicken Safely

• Store leftover Greek lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Cool the chicken completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and preserve texture.
• Keep chicken separate from other ingredients to maintain its distinct lemony taste.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. They will work perfectly and might even be more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

The recipe recommends marinating for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, you can marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating longer to prevent the acid from breaking down the chicken texture.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs as a substitute. The general rule is to use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. So if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, use 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

Quick Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek lemon chicken marries zesty citrus with tender, herb-infused poultry. Mediterranean flavors dance through this classic dish, inviting you to savor each aromatic bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquid and Citrus Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together zesty lemon juice, fragrant zest, robust olive oil, aromatic garlic, dried oregano, delicate thyme, and seasoning until thoroughly blended.
2. Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cooking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and arrange pieces on prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between them.
5. Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C) and juices appear transparent.
6. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
7. Slice chicken diagonally and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and bright lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight for deeper, more intense citrusy notes.
• Avoid dry chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely and prevent overcooking.
• Swap chicken breasts with bone-in thighs for richer taste and juicier meat if preferred.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and using alternative herbs if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg