If you’ve ever longed for a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, the Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs—all baked to golden perfection. This dish is an invitation to gather around the table, whether you’re making a weeknight dinner special or celebrating with loved ones. Fresh ingredients make for a truly memorable bite, and once this Greek staple enters your kitchen, it’s certain to win hearts and spark cravings for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate the fact that you don’t need a long grocery list or fancy techniques for a standout meal. Every ingredient in the Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe has a job to do—think juicy chicken, lively citrus, and a touch of earthy spice. These easy-to-find ingredients create magic when combined!
- Chicken Thighs (2 lbs, bone-in, skin-on): The ultimate cut for juicy, flavorful chicken—skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/3 cup): Adds richness and helps carry the flavors deep into the chicken while keeping it moist.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (1/4 cup, about 2 lemons): Delivers bright acidity and signature Greek zing you can’t skip.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with savory depth and mouthwatering aroma.
- Dried Oregano (1 tablespoon): Key herb for that classic Mediterranean taste we all adore.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle earthiness and layers of flavor complexity.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Crucial for amplifying every other flavor in the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and savory warmth to balance the lemon.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a touch of color and smoky sweetness.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Intensifies the citrus experience and perfumes the whole dish.
- Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Keeps the chicken extra juicy and builds rich pan juices for basting.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Lively green color and fresh flavor for a picture-perfect finish.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): For an extra burst of brightness right at the table.
How to Make Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start your Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures every chicken thigh gets that crave-worthy crispy skin by the time you’re ready to serve. While the oven heats, grab your go-to roasting pan or oven-safe skillet and prepare your ingredients to keep things stress-free as you cook.
Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and that beautifully fragrant lemon zest. This simple, zesty marinade is the backbone of our recipe, infusing the chicken with irresistible Greek flavors from every angle.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick and give you crispy, golden skin. Place the pieces in your prepared baking dish, then pour the marinade over the top. Use your hands (or tongs if you prefer) to coat each chicken thigh thoroughly, making sure marinade reaches every crevice for full flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Bake
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the dish—this step keeps the chicken ultra-juicy and creates a delicious, savory sauce as it cooks. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. About halfway through, baste the chicken with pan juices for next-level moistness and flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, let it rest for at least 5 minutes out of the oven. This helps all those wonderful juices redistribute, so every bite is succulent. Finish your Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges for that signature Greek finish.
How to Serve Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley and bright lemon wedges brings color, freshness, and extra zing. Don’t be shy—those fresh touches make your Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe look and taste like it came straight from a Greek taverna!
Side Dishes
Pair this showstopper with simple sides that let the flavors shine. Roasted potatoes drizzled with olive oil, fluffy rice, or a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta are all natural companions. These sides soak up that savory lemony sauce and make the meal truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Serve your chicken family-style on a big platter with herbs and lemon wheels, or tuck pieces into warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki for a hand-held treat. You can even shred leftover chicken over leafy greens for a next-day salad—with plenty of pan juice drizzled over the top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe keeps nicely for up to three days in the refrigerator. Store the chicken and pan juices together in an airtight container to keep the meat moist and flavorful. When hunger strikes, your next meal is just a reheat away.
Freezing
You can freeze this chicken for up to two months! Let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, including some of the pan juices to protect against freezer burn and keep things juicy. Thaw safely overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat your Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through—this keeps the skin crisp and the meat tender. If you’re in a rush, microwave with a splash of sauce, but oven reheating will give the most satisfying results.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver maximum flavor and moisture, boneless cuts or even chicken breasts work well. Just reduce bake time slightly, as boneless pieces cook faster. Keep an eye out for golden color and juicy texture.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Even a quick 10-minute marinate while you preheat the oven makes a difference, but for extra depth, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating pulls more of those bold Greek flavors right into the heart of the chicken.
Is this Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Every ingredient here is naturally gluten-free, so you can serve this dish with confidence to anyone avoiding gluten. Just make sure your chicken broth doesn’t have hidden gluten, and you’re all set.
What’s the secret to crispy chicken skin?
Drying the skin thoroughly before marinating and then baking uncovered is key. For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for a minute or two at the end—but don’t walk away! The skin goes from golden to charred quickly under the broiler.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
The Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is a perfect party dish! Double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan—just be sure the chicken isn’t crowded so the skin can crisp up. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe—it delivers comfort, zest, and Mediterranean charm in every bite. If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine or impress guests with minimal fuss, give this recipe a place at your table. Here’s to savoring bold flavors and happy moments, straight from your kitchen!
Print
Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Yummilicious Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the bright citrusy flavors of lemon with aromatic herbs and tender chicken thighs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest.
- Marinate Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs and place in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Add chicken broth to the dish.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F, basting halfway through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh Greek salad.
- Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
