Description
Succulent greek lemon chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with zesty marinade and tender meat. Roasted herbs and citrus create a perfect balance of bright, tangy notes that transport you to sunny Greek landscapes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
- Place chicken pieces in a spacious baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spread out to allow proper marination.
- Pour the aromatic marinade over the chicken, massaging the mixture into every crevice to guarantee complete flavor absorption.
- Allow the chicken to rest and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor development.
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the chicken.
- Transfer the marinated chicken to the preheated oven, positioning the baking dish in the center rack for consistent heat distribution.
- Roast the chicken for 30-40 minutes, periodically checking to ensure even browning and prevent overcooking.
- Verify doneness by using a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165F (74C) at the thickest part of the meat.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and thin lemon slices for a vibrant, citrusy presentation before serving hot.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing the chicken to soak up the zesty lemon and aromatic herbs overnight in the refrigerator.
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more tender result that stays moist during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out, checking the internal temperature at the thickest part.
- Adjust seasoning for gluten-free or low-sodium diets by using fresh herbs, reducing salt, and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg