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Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken
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Greek Lemon Chicken is a zesty and tender dish combining juicy chicken with fresh lemon, garlic, and traditional herbs. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it offers a bright, savory flavor perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This one-pan recipe ensures minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, delivering a comforting Mediterranean meal that’s both versatile and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade

  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Liquid

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra virgin olive oil drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coating them evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown to lock in juices and develop texture.
  4. Add broth and finish cooking: Pour in chicken broth or white wine, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness, then spoon pan sauce over the top and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
  • Marinating for at least 30 minutes significantly enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Bone-in chicken pieces tend to stay juicier; remove bones before serving if preferred.
  • Use an oven-safe pan to easily sear and bake in one vessel.
  • Let the chicken rest post-cooking to lock in juices.
  • Garnish generously with fresh parsley and lemon slices for added flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken, lemon chicken, Mediterranean chicken, one-pan chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, oven-baked chicken

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