Description
Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs feature juicy, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, and oregano, offering a bright, tangy, and aromatic Mediterranean dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, delivering tender, flavorful meat with crispy skin and vibrant herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
Marinade
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Liquid
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a vibrant marinade that infuses the chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, turning each piece to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more intense flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure crispy skin and juicy meat during roasting.
- Sear the Chicken Thighs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, locking in moisture and creating a delicious texture.
- Roast the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade and 1/2 cup chicken broth or water around the chicken to keep it moist. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful before serving.
Notes
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating for crispier skin.
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest, most authentic flavor, avoiding bottled lemon juice.
- Don’t skip searing; it locks in moisture and adds irresistible texture.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly to keep it juicy when slicing.
- Check the internal temperature, as thicker thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes to overnight marinating
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg