There's something irresistible about the bright, zesty aroma of Greek Lemon Chicken wafting through your kitchen. The tangy lemon, earthy oregano, and juicy chicken come together to create a dish that's both flavorful and heartwarming. This recipe is one of those easy dinners that feel like a celebration on a weeknight, transporting your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast.

I first discovered this gem of a recipe while experimenting with simple, fresh flavors that wouldn't take hours to prepare. Since then, it's become a staple in our house, perfect for casual family dinners or impressing friends at a last-minute gathering.
Why You'll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken
Get ready to fall head over heels for this vibrant and savory Greek Lemon Chicken. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for cooks of any experience level.
First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, even on the busiest of days. The prep work takes just minutes, and then the oven does the rest of the heavy lifting. It's a fantastic go-to meal when you need a stress-free yet impressive dinner.
Another reason to love this dish? It's healthy without sacrificing flavor. Packed with lean protein and flavored with fresh lemon and herbs, it's a guilt-free choice that never feels bland or boring. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad, and you have a wholesome meal.
The flavor profile is unforgettable. The combination of garlic, lemon, and oregano infuses every bite of chicken with vibrant Mediterranean notes. It’s the kind of recipe that leaves you licking your fork and craving more.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to your liking, whether by adding more vegetables to the roasting pan or swapping out the chicken pieces based on what's available.
If you haven't yet experienced the magic of Greek Lemon Chicken, you're in for a treat!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Greek Lemon Chicken lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient comes together to create an unforgettable meal. Here’s a quick look at the star ingredients and what makes them special.
The chicken is, of course, the main attraction. I like to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The bones keep the meat tender, while the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven. You can also use drumsticks or even a whole spatchcocked chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Fresh lemon juice is essential to this recipe. It brightens the entire dish and adds a tangy kick. You’ll want to use freshly squeezed lemons for the best flavor, as bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare. Don’t forget to zest one of the lemons for added depth!
The garlic brings a warm, savory note that perfectly complements the lemon. I recommend mincing the garlic finely to ensure it spreads throughout the marinade evenly. If you're a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
Oregano is the quintessential herb in Greek cooking. Dried oregano works wonderfully in this recipe, but if you have fresh oregano on hand, it will add a lovely aromatic punch. Make sure to rub the dried oregano between your fingers before adding it to release its natural oils.
For extra flavor, I use chicken broth and olive oil. The broth keeps the chicken moist as it cooks, while the olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken skin crisp up. Together, they create a deliciously aromatic roasting liquid that you can spoon over the finished dish.
You won't need any special equipment for this recipe, just a good roasting pan and a sharp knife for prepping the chicken and lemons.
How To Make This Greek Lemon Chicken

Creating this succulent Greek Lemon Chicken is easier than you think! Let me walk you through each step to ensure perfect results.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, grab a large roasting pan or baking dish. You want to make sure it’s big enough to hold all the chicken pieces without crowding.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken. Pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. For the best flavor, you can let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to an hour, but if you’re short on time, just move right along.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken in the roasting pan, skin side up. Tuck thick lemon slices and sprigs of fresh herbs (if using) between the pieces. Pour a bit of chicken broth into the pan to keep everything moist. You should start to smell the wonderful fragrance of garlic and lemon already!
Step 4: Roast in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crispy, while the meat stays tender and juicy. If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can broil it for an extra 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken to add extra flavor and keep the meat moist. Trust me, the pan juices are liquid gold – you’ll want to soak them up with some crusty bread!
This recipe takes about an hour from start to finish, but most of that time is hands-off while the chicken roasts. It's an easy, flavorful meal that feels like a special occasion.
Storage Options
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in our house!), Greek Lemon Chicken stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken before sealing the container to keep it moist.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, simply place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual pieces, but the oven method preserves the texture better.
Variations and Substitutions
This Greek Lemon Chicken is a versatile recipe that you can customize to your taste or dietary needs.
- Swap the chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they’ll cook faster than bone-in thighs. Pork tenderloin is another great option that pairs beautifully with the marinade.
- Add more veggies: Roasted potatoes are a classic addition to Greek Lemon Chicken. Simply toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the chicken in the roasting pan. They’ll soak up all the delicious juices. Other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini also work well.
- Herb variations: While oregano is traditional, you can mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or even dill for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings its own unique twist, so feel free to experiment.
- Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. The hint of spice balances the bright lemon flavor beautifully.
The best thing about this recipe is that it encourages creativity. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and make it your own. Enjoy your culinary journey to the sunny Mediterranean!
PrintGreek Lemon Chicken Recipe
This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and herb blend. It's baked to perfection for a Mediterranean meal bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this dish brings a taste of Greece to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet, skin-side up. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier results, but boneless chicken can work as well.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Greek salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
Leave a Reply