This Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is a vibrant, zesty dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Juicy chicken is marinated and baked in a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, infused with oregano and olive oil for an authentic Greek flavor. Served alongside roasted potatoes or rice, this dish is a perfect balance of bright citrus, savory herbs, and tender chicken. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Let’s bring the flavors of Greece to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Zesty: The lemon and garlic marinade adds a refreshing punch of flavor.
- Easy and Healthy: Baked in the oven with minimal oil, this dish is light yet satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup when you bake everything together.
- Versatile: Serve with potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks for variety)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tbsp fresh oregano)
- Optional: 1/2 cup dry white wine for extra depth
For the Potatoes (Optional):
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 onion, sliced into thick rings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and oregano. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for later.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator) for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Potatoes (Optional)
- In a separate bowl, toss the potato wedges and onion slices with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and oregano until well coated.