Description
This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being oven-baked to perfection. Infused with classic Mediterranean flavors like oregano, thyme, dill, and paprika, this simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a healthy family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Juice of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2-3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried dill, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat Oven: Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and arrange the thighs in a single layer inside a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it flavorful and moist during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 165°F and 175°F, ensuring thorough cooking while keeping the meat juicy.
- Broil for Color (Optional): For extra golden color and slight crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 6 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure chicken thighs are arranged in a single layer to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice golden finish.
- This recipe can be paired with rice, roasted vegetables, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
