Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Greek Lemon Chicken wafting through your kitchen, filling the air with bright citrus and savory garlic. This one-pan wonder is a perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin and a zesty, flavorful sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I remember discovering this dish on a summer vacation in Santorini, where the fresh lemons seemed to infuse every meal. Recreating it at home was a must, and it quickly became a go-to favorite for busy weeknights and dinner parties alike. Let me show you how to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen with this simple yet irresistible recipe!

Why You'll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken

Get ready to fall head over heels for this easy and flavorful recipe. It's everything you want in a family-friendly meal: bright, juicy, and utterly mouthwatering.

First, it’s an absolute lifesaver for busy nights. With minimal prep and just one pan required, this Greek Lemon Chicken is both quick to assemble and a breeze to clean up. Perfect for when you need a delicious dinner without all the fuss.

Next, the combination of lemon, oregano, and garlic creates an explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist. The chicken stays tender and juicy, while the potatoes (or rice, if you prefer) soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce, making every bite perfection.

It’s also a great dish for entertaining. The golden, crispy-skinned chicken paired with vibrant, caramelized lemons is as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread for a showstopping meal.

Finally, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Whether you want to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning, it’s easy to make this dish your own. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Greek Lemon Chicken comes from using simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need and some tips to make sure everything comes out perfectly.

Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work best for this recipe. The skin gets crispy while the meat stays tender and juicy. If you prefer chicken breasts, keep in mind that they may cook faster and could dry out, so be sure to watch them closely.

Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key here. It adds brightness and a zesty kick that brings everything to life. Don’t forget to zest the lemons before juicing – the zest adds an extra layer of citrusy goodness.

Garlic: You’ll want plenty of fresh garlic cloves, sliced or minced, to infuse the sauce with deep, savory flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add a few extra cloves!

Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes are perfect for this dish. They soak up the lemony, garlicky sauce and become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Cut them into even wedges so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.

Olive Oil and Oregano: High-quality olive oil is essential for the best flavor. Greek oregano is preferred, as it has a robust and earthy taste, but regular oregano will work in a pinch. Together, they give the dish its signature Mediterranean flavor.

You’ll also need a large baking dish or a sheet pan to ensure everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.

How To Make This Greek Lemon Chicken

Creating this mouthwatering Greek Lemon Chicken is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it perfectly every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish or sheet pan.

Next, arrange your potato wedges around the chicken. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated in oil and seasoning to get that delicious roasted flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 lemons, zest, minced garlic, and a little more olive oil. Pour this mixture over the chicken and potatoes, making sure to get some under the skin of the chicken for maximum flavor.

For extra depth, you can scatter a few lemon slices around the pan. These will caramelize as they roast, adding even more zesty goodness to the dish. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue roasting for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy and the potatoes are fork-tender. If you like, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes to get even more crispy, caramelized edges.

Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. The total cook time is about an hour, but trust me, the delicious aroma will make the wait worthwhile!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this Greek Lemon Chicken stores beautifully. Here are some tips to keep it fresh and tasty.

Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the chicken even more delicious the next day.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to let everything cool completely before freezing to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave leftovers, but the oven will help keep the skin crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations to suit your preferences or to make the most of what you have on hand.

Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of dark meat, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so they don’t dry out. You can also try this recipe with pork chops or even lamb chops for a different twist.

Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Toss them in with the potatoes for a colorful and nutritious meal.

Herb Variations: While oregano is classic, you can mix things up with thyme or rosemary for a slightly different flavor profile. Fresh herbs also make a beautiful garnish.

Rice Instead of Potatoes: If you prefer rice, you can omit the potatoes and serve the lemon chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or orzo. Just be sure to spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. With a dish this versatile, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Greek Lemon Chicken!

Print