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Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken
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Greek Lemon Chicken is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring juicy, tender chicken infused with bright lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant herbs. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple pantry ingredients for a quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Roasted to golden perfection, the chicken is moist and aromatic with a delicious citrusy tang and herbaceous depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (ensure gluten-free if needed)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional lemon zest and lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple yet flavorful marinade creates the perfect base that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat every piece evenly. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor penetration and juiciness.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, grab a baking dish or sheet and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
  4. Roast the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up in the pan, making sure they are not crowded to ensure crisp skin. Pour leftover marinade and chicken broth around the chicken to keep it moist and create a delicious pan sauce.
  5. Bake Until Golden and Juicy: Roast the chicken uncovered in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown. Halfway through, baste the chicken with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest on top before serving for an irresistible final touch.

Notes

  • Marinate longer overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Using bone-in chicken helps lock in moisture better than boneless cuts.
  • Pat chicken skin dry with paper towels before roasting to achieve crispier skin.
  • Baste the chicken halfway through cooking to keep it juicy and skin golden.
  • Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek Lemon Chicken, Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken recipe, baked chicken, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/greek-lemon-chicken/