Lorenzo Devereaux
Juicy, tender chicken baked to perfection with zesty lemon, garlic, and a medley of fragrant herbs—this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. Each bite bursts with bright citrus notes and a subtle earthiness from oregano and thyme, making it a dish you’ll want on repeat for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
What makes this recipe so irresistible is the balance of tangy lemon and savory chicken juices that create a naturally rich sauce as it bakes. Paired with golden potatoes that soak up all that delicious flavor, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and fresh.
What Makes Greek Lemon Chicken So Flavorful?
The secret lies in the marinade. A combination of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs infuses the chicken with flavor, while baking locks in moisture and caramelizes the skin. Using bone-in chicken thighs adds extra richness, making the dish even more satisfying.
Ingredients for the Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Chosen for their juicy, tender texture and flavor-packed crispy skin.
- Lemon slices and juice – The star of the dish, giving it a bright, tangy kick.
- Baby potatoes – They absorb the chicken juices and lemony sauce, becoming soft and flavorful.
- Garlic cloves – Adds depth and aromatic richness to the dish.
- Olive oil – Enhances the marinade and keeps the chicken moist.
- Dried oregano & thyme – Classic Greek herbs that bring earthy, herby notes.
- Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional) – Sprinkled on top for a fresh finish.
How To Make the Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baby potatoes in a baking dish and drizzle with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the potatoes. Add lemon slices around and on top of the chicken. Pour any remaining marinade over everything.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and golden and the potatoes are tender. Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through for extra flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the chicken and serve warm. The chicken will be juicy, the potatoes buttery soft, and the lemon-herb sauce irresistible.
Serving and Storing Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the skin is crisp, and the potatoes are perfectly tender. Serve it directly in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style dinner.
For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a skillet to maintain some crispiness.
What to Serve With Baked Greek Lemon Chicken?
Greek Salad with Feta and Olives
The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta are perfect to balance the richness of the chicken.
Tzatziki Sauce with Warm Pita Bread
A refreshing yogurt-based dip that adds a creamy, garlicky contrast.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
These slightly crispy green beans make an excellent sidekick to the lemony chicken.
Garlic Butter Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice coated in buttery garlic goodness soaks up every bit of the flavorful pan sauce.
Marinated Grilled Vegetables
Smoky zucchini, peppers, and eggplant complement the Mediterranean theme beautifully.
Classic Hummus Platter
A smooth chickpea dip served with veggies or pita for a light, fresh appetizer.
Greek Orzo Salad
A zesty pasta salad with herbs, feta, and a lemony dressing keeps the Mediterranean flavors consistent.
Warm Crusty Bread
Perfect for sopping up the rich, lemony sauce from the pan.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Baked Greek Lemon Chicken, you’ll enjoy these other comforting and flavor-packed dishes:
- Longhorn Parmesan Chicken – A crispy, cheesy delight
- Marry Me Chicken – Creamy and irresistible
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts – Rich and comforting
- Crispy Buttery Chicken Fried Chicken with Country Gravy
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders – Tangy and crunchy
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra herbs? Did you swap potatoes for another veggie? I love hearing your variations—let’s inspire each other to cook better every day.
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Baked Greek Lemon Chicken
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 lemons 1 juiced, 1 sliced
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
- Place chicken on top of potatoes, add lemon slices, and pour remaining marinade over.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until chicken is golden and potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.