Imagine the warm embrace of Mediterranean flavors filling your kitchen with the aroma of lemon, garlic, and herbs. Greek Lemon Chicken is a timeless dish that carries the essence of a sunny Greek countryside, where meals are savored with family and laughter. This recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
This dish is all about balance—tender chicken, bright citrus notes, and aromatic herbs come together in a single skillet for a meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s a weeknight staple or a festive centerpiece, this recipe captures the vibrant spirit of Greek cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a refreshing, tangy taste that elevates the chicken to new heights.
- Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and a few fresh elements, this dish is both economical and delicious.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein, fresh ingredients, and without any processed extras, it’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
- Versatile: Pair it with rice, roasted veggies, or a Greek salad to complete your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting that beautiful golden-brown sear. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken, skin side down. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step infuses the sauce with incredible depth of flavor.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Baste the chicken occasionally with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. They remain juicy and tender, and the skin crisps beautifully.
- Adjust the Lemon: For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or zest. Prefer milder acidity? Use less lemon juice and balance with a touch of honey.
- One-Skillet Cleanup: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan for easy cooking and cleaning.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add cubed potatoes or carrots to the skillet alongside the chicken. They’ll soak up the lemony sauce beautifully.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
What sides go best with Greek Lemon Chicken?
Try serving this dish with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice to soak up the tangy sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more Mediterranean-inspired dishes to try:
Conclusion
Greek Lemon Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a seasoned chef while keeping things refreshingly simple. It’s an ode to the flavors of the Mediterranean, brightening your plate and your day with its zesty, herby goodness. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress.
So, grab your skillet and let’s bring a little sunshine to your table tonight!
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Greek Lemon Chicken: A Zesty, Comforting Classic
Description
Imagine the warm embrace of Mediterranean flavors filling your kitchen with the aroma of lemon, garlic, and herbs. Greek Lemon Chicken is a timeless dish that carries the essence of a sunny Greek countryside, where meals are savored with family and laughter. This recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
This dish is all about balance—tender chicken, bright citrus notes, and aromatic herbs come together in a single skillet for a meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s a weeknight staple or a festive centerpiece, this recipe captures the vibrant spirit of Greek cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting that beautiful golden-brown sear. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken, skin side down. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step infuses the sauce with incredible depth of flavor.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Baste the chicken occasionally with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add cubed potatoes or carrots to the skillet alongside the chicken. They’ll soak up the lemony sauce beautifully.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.