Jam Scott
Juicy, golden, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is a true dinner hero. Imagine tender chicken thighs roasted with garlic, oregano, rosemary, and bright lemon slices, all soaked in a buttery lemon sauce that practically begs for bread-dipping. This dish delivers the kind of comfort that feels both rustic and fresh, perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
What makes this chicken so special is the balance of zingy lemon, aromatic herbs, and a caramelized, slightly crispy skin that forms as it bakes. It’s a meal that tastes like sunshine on a plate—simple to prepare, yet impressive enough to wow guests.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For Baked Greek Lemon Chicken, skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are ideal. They stay juicy in the oven and develop a beautiful, crispy skin. You can also use drumsticks or even chicken breasts, but thighs bring the richest flavor. If using boneless cuts, reduce the baking time to avoid overcooking.
Ingredients for the Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The star of the show, offering juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Lemons: Provide zesty brightness; both juice and slices are used for maximum citrus punch.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse deep, aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the skin crisp up and carries the herbs’ flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness to the lemony sauce.
- Fresh rosemary and oregano: Bring earthy, herby notes typical of Greek cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Chicken broth (optional): Keeps the dish moist and creates extra pan sauce.
How To Make the Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, and oregano. This mixture will coat the chicken with a fragrant, herby layer.
Step 3: Arrange in the Baking Dish
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Tuck lemon slices around and under the chicken. Pour the marinade over the top, making sure every piece is coated. Add a splash of chicken broth if you want extra sauce.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crisp and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken, sprinkle with extra herbs, and serve!
Serving and Storing Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
Serve this chicken hot with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad. It’s fantastic for family dinners or meal prep because the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain the crispness of the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Skip the butter and use only olive oil—the chicken will still be flavorful and juicy.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Reduce the baking time to around 25–30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
What herbs can I substitute?
If you don’t have fresh rosemary or oregano, dried versions work fine. You can also use thyme for a subtle variation.
Does this freeze well?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooked chicken with some pan sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
How do I get extra crispy skin?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry and broil for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Want More Dinner Ideas with a Mediterranean Twist?
If you love this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
• Tender Beef Bao Buns for a fun fusion dinner.
• Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for creamy, indulgent flavor.
• Teriyaki Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies for a sweet-savory combo.
• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff if you’re craving cozy comfort.
• Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce for a pasta night upgrade.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra herbs or a splash of wine? Did you try it with boneless chicken?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better!
Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Description
Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is a flavorful, oven-roasted dish featuring juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, infused with lemon, garlic, rosemary, and oregano. It’s a bright, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 sliced)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, and oregano.
- Arrange chicken skin-side up in a baking dish; tuck in lemon slices.
- Pour marinade over chicken; add chicken broth if desired.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until skin is crispy and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for 2–3 minutes if extra crispiness is desired.
- Let rest 5 minutes; spoon pan juices over before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
