Plate of delicious Greek Lemon Chicken garnished with fresh herbs

Greek Lemon Chicken

ByNaya Lucas
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Why make this recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. With its zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken, this recipe is a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It’s simple to make and can be grilled or baked, giving you flexibility based on your cooking preferences. Plus, it’s packed with fresh ingredients that are both healthy and satisfying.

How to make Greek Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions:

For Grilling:

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Lightly grease the grates with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  3. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping only once.
  4. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Once done, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

For Baking:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  3. Arrange the marinated chicken on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to serve Greek Lemon Chicken

Serve Greek Lemon Chicken with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing. Crumbled feta cheese can add a creamy touch that complements the dish beautifully.

How to store Greek Lemon Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the Greek Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the chicken for longer storage; just make sure it’s properly sealed.

Tips to make Greek Lemon Chicken

  • Marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.

Variation

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the grill or baking sheet for a one-pan meal. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or salmon for a quick seafood option.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but cooking times may vary slightly. Ensure the skin is crispy by grilling at a higher heat.

What can I serve with Greek Lemon Chicken?
This dish pairs well with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a fresh tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Greek Lemon Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Just cook and store in portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

greek lemon chicken 2026 05 07 201213 683x1024 1

Greek Lemon Chicken

A vibrant and flavorful dish with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) Thighs are juicier.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Plus extra for greasing.
  • 2 lemons juiced (about 1/4 cup) Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional) For a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional) For extra tang.
For Serving
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
  • 2 pieces lemon wedges For garnish.
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, honey, and red wine vinegar in a bowl to create the marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for several hours or overnight.
Grilling Instructions
  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Lightly grease the grates with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  3. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping only once.
  4. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Once done, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Baking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
  3. Arrange the marinated chicken on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve Greek Lemon Chicken with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy touch that complements the dish.

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