Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs; ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup lemon juice; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

I absolutely adore this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe because it’s such a perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken thighs infused with bright, zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Whenever I make this dish, I love how the chicken comes out golden and bursting with flavor, making it one of my favorite dishes to serve for family dinners or special gatherings. This recipe feels both comforting and fresh at the same time, and it’s so satisfying to watch it come together with just a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is the incredible flavor profile. The combination of lemon juice and garlic with oregano and thyme creates such a vibrant and refreshing taste, yet it still has that homey, hearty feel you want from a great chicken dinner. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that ties everything together beautifully, making every bite delightfully juicy and full of character.

This recipe is also wonderfully easy to prepare, which I truly appreciate after a busy day. You just whip up the marinade, let the chicken soak it in for a while, and then bake. No fuss, no complicated techniques—just pure, straightforward cooking that yields impressive results. It’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight meals to sitting down with friends at a weekend dinner party. Honestly, it stands out because it feels fancy enough to be special but is so accessible anyone can make it with confidence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several layers of ingredients that include a large golden-yellow pool of oil taking up half of the bowl on the right side, finely chopped white garlic near the top center, and multiple piles of dried herbs and spices arranged in semi-circle patterns around the left and bottom edges; among these seasonings are dark green oregano, coarse black pepper, brownish thyme, and a small pile of white salt near the middle. Above the bowl, two lemon halves with bright yellow skins and pale interiors rest on the marbled surface next to a metal grater. Below the bowl, there is a small wooden bowl filled with coarse white salt and a gold spoon placed inside it, and next to that is a dark stone mortar filled with cracked black pepper. The scene is lit warmly, highlighting the texture of each ingredient, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this recipe are simple and essential, each adding its unique touch to the dish. The balance between olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings creates a perfectly harmonious marinade that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into an extraordinary meal.

Chicken thighs: Bone-in pieces give you the juiciest, most flavorful meat and lovely crispy skin.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the marinade ingredients.
Lemon juice: The star of the show, giving that bright citrus zing that defines this dish.
Garlic cloves minced: Provides warm, fragrant depth to the marinade.
Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses earthy aroma and taste.
Dried thyme: Offers gentle herbal notes to balance the flavors.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and emulsifies the marinade beautifully.
Kosher salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the meat’s juiciness.
Freshly ground black pepper: Introduces a slight peppery bite for complexity.

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the marinade is well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Place the 8 bone-in chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors penetrate. For an even deeper flavor, let it marinate up to 8 hours.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the marinated chicken thighs into a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer, and drizzle any remaining marinade over the top.

Step 4: Bake the chicken uncovered for about 40 to 45 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) so the chicken is fully cooked and juicy inside. If you want extra crispy skin, turn on your oven’s broiler during the last 2 to 3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 5: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in the juices before serving. Feel free to garnish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs to brighten the presentation.

Servings and Timing

This Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe yields 8 scrumptious servings, perfect for a family meal or small gathering. The prep time is a quick 15 minutes, ideal for busy days when you want something straightforward. After marinating, the chicken takes about 40 minutes to bake, so the total active cooking and prep time is roughly 55 minutes. Including marinating time, plan for at least 1 hour and up to several hours for more intense flavors, but it’s worth every minute.

How to Serve This Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

The image shows a close-up of five cooked chicken thighs in a white baking dish with a golden-brown color, crispy skin, and sprinkled with herbs that add dark specks on the surface. The thighs sit in a layer of light yellow sauce that fills the bottom of the dish. Two thin lemon slices with a translucent pale yellow color rest on top of the chicken in the center, accompanied by small green fresh herb leaves placed near the lemon slices and chicken. The dish has browned edges with some sauce stains, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Greek Lemon Chicken, I love pairing it with sides that complement its bright and herby flavors. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans work beautifully and add a nice textural contrast. A simple Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta is another top choice—it keeps the meal light and fresh. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or lemony rice pilaf are fantastic at soaking up the delicious juices from the chicken.

For garnishing, I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or oregano over the top for a pop of color and added freshness. Thin lemon slices placed on the chicken right before serving add elegance and reinforce that citrus punch. I always like to serve this dish warm, straight from the oven, so the crispy skin and tender meat are at their best.

As for drinks, a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect companion, cutting through the richness and enhancing the lemony notes. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, iced sparkling water with a twist of lemon pairs beautifully. This meal is a guaranteed hit whether it’s a relaxed weeknight dinner or an impressive holiday feast!

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe by switching up the herbs or cooking methods. Sometimes, I swap dried herbs for fresh ones like rosemary or mint for an even brighter and more fragrant dish. If you want to add a smoky twist, grilling the chicken instead of baking it gives a wonderful charred flavor while still keeping the marinade’s essence.

For those seeking dietary modifications, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is great for many diets. To make it vegan, I recommend substituting the chicken with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower steaks and marinating them in the same lemon-herb mixture—grilled or baked until nicely caramelized. It’s a delicious, plant-based take that still honors the fresh flavors of the original.

Another fun variation I like is adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a hint of sweetness that balances the tart lemon. You can also experiment by tossing in some ground cumin or smoked paprika to give it a subtle warmth and depth, perfect if you want a slightly exotic twist without drifting too far from the Greek vibe.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep the chicken fresh and juicy. I use glass or BPA-free plastic containers that seal tightly and pop them in the refrigerator right after the meal. These leftovers will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, giving me plenty of time to enjoy the flavors again without any loss in quality.

Freezing

This Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe freezes surprisingly well. To freeze, I arrange the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to include some of the marinade or cooking juices to prevent dryness. Label with the date, and it will keep at its best for up to 3 months. When I want to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight in the fridge to help it reheat evenly and retain moisture.

Reheating

For reheating, I highly recommend warming the chicken gently in the oven at around 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 15 minutes so the skin stays crispy and the meat stays tender. Microwaving can work if you’re in a hurry, but it often makes the skin soggy and the texture less appealing. To bring back some of that fresh flavor, I sometimes squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer white meat, but keep in mind that breasts dry out more easily than thighs. To avoid this, marinate for a shorter time (around 1 hour) and watch your cooking time closely—breasts will typically cook faster, about 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F. Also, consider slightly lowering the oven temp or covering the dish to keep them moist.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

It’s not necessary to marinate overnight, but I recommend at least 1 to 2 hours for the flavors to really soak into the meat. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes helps a bit, but longer marinating yields a more intense lemony, herb-infused flavor and significantly more juicy chicken.

Can I prepare this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! Marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also fully assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking, which makes it a great recipe for meal prep or entertaining guests without last-minute fuss.

What side dishes pair best with Greek Lemon Chicken?

Traditional pairings include Greek salad, roasted vegetables, lemon potatoes, or fluffy rice pilaf. I also love serving it with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for an authentic touch. Pick sides that balance the zesty brightness of the chicken and add texture contrast.

How do I make the chicken skin extra crispy?

To get that perfectly crispy skin, I broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Make sure the chicken skin is patted dry before marinating, and avoid overcrowding the baking dish to allow the heat to circulate evenly.

Conclusion

I truly believe this Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves vibrant, simple, and satisfying meals. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, flavorful, and always impresses guests and family alike. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover just how special a few humble ingredients can make your dinner taste!