If you’re craving a bright, zesty dinner that will transport your kitchen straight to the Mediterranean, this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is just the ticket. Marinated in a lively blend of olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic, and classic herbs, every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight family meal or looking to impress friends with an elegant, stress-free main course, this dish brings sunshine to the table. It’s amazing how a handful of everyday pantry ingredients come together in this beloved recipe, making Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe a longtime favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe truly lies in its simplicity: each ingredient stands out and works together to create mouthwatering flavor. Keep these essentials on hand and you’re minutes away from a Mediterranean feast!
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, quick-cooking results and flexibility depending on your preference.
- Olive oil: The base of the marinade, olive oil adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives the dish its signature tart, refreshing flavor.
- Lemon zest: Just the outer layer of the lemon, zest intensifies the bright citrus aroma.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with incredible depth and warmth.
- Dried oregano: Oregano brings a distinct Greek touch and herbaceous aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Dried thyme: Another classic Mediterranean herb, thyme blends beautifully with lemon and chicken.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a subtle hint of heat and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add just a pinch for a bit of gentle heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
- Lemon slices and fresh parsley: For garnish—these fresh pops finish the look and taste in style.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Lively Lemon Marinade
Grab a large bowl or a resealable zip-top bag. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a gentle spice. Stir or shake until well mixed. This easy, aromatic marinade is the heart of the Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe—it’s what makes the chicken extra flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to your marinade, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then pop it in the fridge. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal, or up to 8 hours if you want even more flavor and tenderness. The longer, the better!
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare to Cook
Before cooking, take your marinated chicken out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake, or heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat if you prefer that gorgeous golden sear.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange in a baking dish if you’re using the oven. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, golden, and the juices run clear. If grilling or using a skillet, cook each piece for about 5–6 minutes per side until beautifully seared and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Savor those mouthwatering aromas!
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Give the chicken 5 minutes to rest after cooking—this helps the juices redistribute for extra succulence. Slice if you wish, then arrange on a platter and finish with lemon slices and a handful of fresh parsley. The final touch makes this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance both looks and flavor by scattering lemon slices and plenty of chopped fresh parsley over your chicken. These final flourishes add vibrant color and a bright, herbal aroma that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
This Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is wonderfully versatile—pair it with roasted potatoes, fragrant rice, or a crisp Greek salad overflowing with feta, cucumber, and tomatoes. You can’t go wrong serving it alongside warm pita or a big bowl of tzatziki for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Serve the chicken family-style on a big platter, tucked among roasted vegetables. Or slice it thin for Mediterranean wraps, grain bowls, or over garlicky hummus. For an appetizer, thread cubes of the cooked chicken onto skewers with bell peppers and olives.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen as they rest, making your lunches even tastier!
Freezing
This Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap portions tightly or place in freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For juicy results, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, drizzling a little reserved marinade or broth overtop to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe and often even juicier thanks to their slightly higher fat content. Cooking time may vary by a minute or two, so be sure to check for doneness.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! Letting the chicken soak in that zesty marinade overnight intensifies the flavors. Just don’t exceed 12 hours—the lemon juice is quite strong and could start to change the chicken’s texture if left too long.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Definitely. Grilling brings fabulous char and smokiness to the Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe. Just be sure to oil your grill grates and monitor the cooking time closely for best results.
What should I do if I forget to marinate in advance?
No worries! Even a 30-minute soak will infuse the chicken with brightness and flavor. To boost the flavor, try scoring the chicken lightly before marinating, so the mixture seeps in a little deeper in less time.
How can I make extra sauce for serving?
It’s simple—just double the marinade, but set half aside (never touching raw chicken) for drizzling over the top as a sauce once the chicken is done. You get extra moisture and zing on every plate!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your dinner crowd with a dish that’s both simple and stunning, this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe will never let you down. Each bite is bright, fresh, comforting, and pure Mediterranean sunshine. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious homemade Greek flavors can be!
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Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (active)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken recipe. Succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then baked or grilled to perfection. A perfect dish for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- lemon slices
- fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cooking Method:
- For Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C), bake chicken for 22–25 minutes.
- For Skillet/Grill: Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve garnished with lemon slices and parsley.
Notes
- Pairs well with roasted potatoes, rice, or a Greek salad.
- You can reserve half of the marinade to drizzle over the cooked chicken as a sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
