Greek Lemon Chicken (Easy Mediterranean Dinner Recipe)
This Greek Lemon Chicken is an easy, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and classic Greek herbs. Baked until golden and tender, it’s a simple recipe that delivers big Mediterranean flavor with very little effort. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
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8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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2 teaspoons dried thyme
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2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Make the marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. -
Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor. -
Prepare for baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, skin-side up, and pour any remaining marinade over the top. -
Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C). Baste once or twice during cooking if desired. -
Optional crisping
For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. -
Serve
Remove from the oven and rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
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Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciest texture and best flavor.
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Don’t skip the marinade time—even 1 hour makes a noticeable difference.
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Fresh lemon juice is key; bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
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For meal prep, this chicken reheats well and stays moist.
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Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, Greek salad, or warm pita bread.