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Greek Lemon Chicken – Juicy, Crispy, and Bursting with Mediterranean Flavor

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the heart of Mediterranean cooking, it’s Greek Lemon Chicken. With crispy, golden skin, tender and juicy meat, and a bright, herb-infused lemon marinade, this recipe is both simple and unforgettable. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table before you even call them. This classic Greek lemon chicken recipe uses bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture. The marinade—made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried herbs—penetrates deep into the chicken, creating layers of bold, tangy, and savory taste. As the chicken roasts, the skin crisps beautifully while the lemony juices caramelize into a rich pan sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. If you love Mediterranean chicken recipes, one-pan dinners, and bold lemon flavors, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Prepare all ingredients before starting.
Protein
  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
Aromatics & Herbs
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
Marinade
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient Notes:
  • Bone-in chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful during roasting.
  • Lemon juice provides brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Oregano and thyme are essential for authentic Greek flavor.

Equipment

  • To make perfect Greek lemon chicken, you’ll need:
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish or roasting pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spoon
  • Aluminum foil (optional)
  • Tip: A shallow roasting pan allows the chicken to brown evenly and the juices to reduce beautifully.

Method
 

  1. Follow these steps carefully for the best Greek lemon chicken.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
  2. Olive oil
  3. Lemon juice
  4. Dijon mustard
  5. Minced garlic
  6. Dried oregano
  7. Dried thyme
  8. Kosher salt
  9. Black pepper
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add chicken thighs to the bowl.
  2. Turn and massage the marinade into the chicken, coating well.
  3. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Lightly oil a baking dish or roasting pan.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
  1. Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the baking dish.
  2. Pour remaining marinade evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Roast
  1. Roast uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until:
  2. Skin is golden and crispy
  3. Internal temperature reaches doneness
  4. Spoon pan juices over the chicken halfway through cooking.
Step 6: Optional Crisp Finish
  1. For extra crispy skin, switch to broil mode for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
  1. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Spoon lemony pan juices over the chicken before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 170°C (325°F) until warmed through
Spoon pan juices over chicken to keep it moist
Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve crispy skin.
🥄 Variations
Customize your Greek lemon chicken with these ideas:
Extra Garlic Version
Add 1–2 additional garlic cloves
Spicy Greek Chicken
Add chili flakes to the marinade
Herb-Forward
Add fresh rosemary or parsley at the end
Boneless Option
Use boneless thighs and reduce cooking time
One-Pan Meal
Add potatoes or vegetables to the roasting pan
❓ 10 FAQs
Why use bone-in chicken thighs?
They stay juicier and more flavorful.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but reduce cooking time.
Is this recipe very lemony?
It’s bright but balanced.
Can I grill this chicken?
Yes, it grills beautifully.
Do I need to marinate overnight?
No, but longer marinating enhances flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, flavors are fresh and mild.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, marinate ahead and roast later.
What sides pair well with this?
Vegetables, salads, or rice-style sides.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger roasting pan.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein and healthy fats.
🏁 Conclusion
This Greek lemon chicken is a timeless classic that never disappoints. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with lemony, herbaceous flavor, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and fresh.
Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe proves that Mediterranean cooking is all about simplicity done right. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this Greek lemon chicken again and again.