Description
This Greek lemon chicken is a classic Mediterranean dish packed with zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and juicy, tender chicken. Roasted to perfection with garlic, olive oil, and oregano, this easy one-pan meal is both flavorful and healthy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family feast, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, a fresh Greek salad, or warm pita bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth, divided
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large roasting pan to prevent sticking.
-
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
-
Arrange in the Pan
- Place the chicken skin-side up in the prepared roasting pan. Pour ⅔ cup of chicken broth around the chicken.
-
Bake the Chicken
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, toss the chicken slightly and continue baking for 25 more minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
-
Broil for Extra Crispiness
- If needed, turn the broiler on high for 3 minutes to get extra crispy skin. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
-
Make the Sauce
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the remaining ⅓ cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Strain the pan juices and drizzle them over the chicken before serving.
-
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh oregano and serve with lemon wedges. Pair with roasted potatoes, rice, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the marinade overnight for deeper, richer flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- For a Healthier Version: Use skinless chicken breasts and reduce olive oil to 3 tablespoons.
- Try Grilling Instead: If you prefer a smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Best Side Dishes: Greek roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, tzatziki sauce, or a classic Greek salad.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keywords: Greek lemon chicken, Mediterranean chicken, lemon herb chicken, Greek-style chicken, roasted chicken recipe, one-pan chicken, healthy chicken recipe