Description
Mediterranean magic shines through this Greek Lemon Chicken, bringing zesty sunshine to your dinner table. Succulent chicken marinated in garlic, herbs, and tangy lemon creates a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
Liquid and Oil:
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish (Optional):
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, or thyme)
Instructions
- Whisk together a vibrant marinade combining fragrant olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, aromatic oregano, delicate thyme, tangy Dijon mustard, seasoning, and ground pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with the herbal mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and allow to marinate in the refrigerator, letting flavors meld and intensify for a minimum of 60 minutes, though overnight immersion yields optimal results.
- Calibrate oven temperature to 375°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for succulent poultry.
- Arrange marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish, positioning skin facing upward to encourage crisp, golden exterior during roasting.
- Roast for approximately 40 minutes, monitoring internal temperature and skin texture. The chicken is perfectly prepared when juices run clear and skin transforms into a delectable, crackling golden-brown shell.
- Elevate presentation by scattering fresh herb sprigs and delicate lemon wheel garnishes across the dish, adding visual appeal and complementary citrus notes before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness, allowing herbs and citrus to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice to enhance the bright, zesty Mediterranean profile of the dish.
- Pat chicken thighs dry before baking to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that provides a delightful textural contrast.
- Consider gluten-free adaptation by using gluten-free Dijon mustard and serving with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg