Description
Mediterranean flavors shine in this Greek Lemon Chicken, bringing zesty citrus and herbal notes to a classic poultry dish. Marinated and roasted to golden perfection, succulent chicken becomes a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Marinade and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1 lemon zest
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel to create a vibrant, aromatic marinade.
- Transfer chicken into a sealed container or flat dish, thoroughly coating each piece with the zesty herb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of half an hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, with a maximum marination time of four hours.
- Heat the oven to a precise 400F (200C), preparing a baking dish for the chicken’s transformation.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in the baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches the safe 165F (74C), guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor.
- Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and delicate lemon slices for a bright, Mediterranean presentation.
- Complement the chicken with traditional accompaniments like fragrant rice, crispy roasted potatoes, or a crisp Greek salad for a complete, authentic meal.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight, allowing herbs and citrus to deeply penetrate the meat for more intense taste.
- Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional marinades and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken salad by shredding cooled meat and mixing with Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, and extra herbs.
- Prevent dry chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and removing from oven precisely at 165F to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg