Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe: A Sunny Mediterranean Delight

Crafting a mouthwatering greek lemon chicken dish brings Mediterranean magic right to your kitchen table.

Sun-drenched flavors dance through every tender bite of this classic recipe.

Zesty citrus and herbs create a symphony of taste that transports you to coastal Greece.

Marinating transforms simple chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Bright, bold ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver restaurant-quality results at home.

Crisp and juicy, this chicken promises to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

You’ll want to savor every delicious morsel of this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Greek Lemon Chicken Questions Answered

• Can I use dried lemon instead of fresh lemon?

No, fresh lemon zest and juice provide the brightest, most authentic flavor. Dried lemon lacks the same vibrant citrus notes and won’t deliver the same marinade quality.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They absorb marinade quickly and cook evenly, ensuring tender and flavorful results.

• How do I know the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?

Extra virgin olive oil works best due to its rich flavor and health benefits. Avocado or vegetable oil can work, but they won’t provide the same depth of taste.

Why Greek Lemon Chicken Is Packed With Flavor

• Capture Vibrant Flavors: Infuse chicken with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and herbal oregano for a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish that bursts with fresh, tangy notes.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort by marinating and roasting chicken, creating a foolproof method that delivers consistently delicious meals.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this recipe adapts easily to different serving styles and pairs wonderfully with multiple side dishes.
• Health-Conscious Delight: Packed with lean protein and bright, natural ingredients, this chicken recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Greek Lemon Chicken Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein source that serves as the main component of this flavorful dish.

• Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide depth and enhance the chicken's natural flavor profile.
• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredient that adds a robust and pungent taste to the marinade.

• Lemons: Provide bright citrus zest and juice that tenderize the chicken and add a fresh, tangy element.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to distribute flavors evenly across the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a moisture-rich base for the marinade and helps to keep the chicken juicy.
• White Wine (Optional): Adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the final dish's flavor.

How To Make Greek Lemon Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Surface

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to remove all surface moisture, which helps seasonings stick better.

Step 2: Season Chicken Thoroughly

Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and black pepper across both sides of the chicken. Gently massage spices into the meat to enhance flavor depth.

Step 3: Prepare Flavor Enhancers

Finely mince garlic cloves to release their aromatic oils. Zest and juice fresh lemons to create a bright citrus base.

Step 4: Create Marinade Magic

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Chicken broth

Blend ingredients until well combined and fragrant.

Step 5: Marinate Chicken

Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Heat oven to 400°F. Select a baking dish that allows chicken to sit comfortably without overcrowding.

Step 7: Transfer and Arrange

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Place chicken in the preheated baking dish.

Step 8: Roast to Perfection

Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Ensure meat is cooked through and juicy.

Step 9: Rest and Finish

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute internal juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Step 10: Optional Flavor Boost

For extra richness, drizzle with remaining marinade or a splash of white wine before serving.

Tips For Juicy Greek Lemon Chicken

• Perfect Drying Technique: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help seasonings stick better and create a crispy exterior.
• Spice Massage Method: Gently rub oregano, salt, and pepper into the meat to boost flavor absorption and ensure even seasoning distribution.
• Smart Marinating Approach: Refrigerate chicken in the citrusy marinade for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy chicken every time.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute for maximum tenderness and preventing dry meat.

Twists To Try With Greek Lemon Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Citrus Chicken: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne to the marinade for a bold, zesty kick that heightens the citrus profile.
• Dairy-Free Herb Chicken: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for an allergen-friendly adaptation.
• Low-Carb Lemon Garlic Chicken: Increase herbs and spices, reduce marinade liquid, and pair with roasted low-carb vegetables for a keto-friendly meal option.

What To Serve With Greek Lemon Chicken

• Savor Zesty Citrus Chicken's Perfect Pairings
• Elevate Herbal White Wine Complement: Crisp sauvignon blanc with grassy notes perfectly balances the lemon and oregano marinade, cutting through the chicken's richness while enhancing its bright citrus profile.
• Craft Mediterranean Sidekick Salad: Greek-style quinoa salad with cucumber, feta, and kalamata olives creates a harmonious Mediterranean accompaniment that echoes the dish's herbal and tangy elements.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Ensemble: Lemon-roasted asparagus or garlic-kissed zucchini provide complementary flavors that mirror the chicken's zesty marinade, adding texture and nutritional depth to the plate.

How To Store Greek Lemon Chicken Right

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, preserving quality for up to 3 months with minimal freezer burn.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing dryness.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.

Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sunshine infuses this Greek Lemon Chicken with zesty, herb-kissed flavors that dance across your palate. Succulent chicken marinated in garlic, oregano, and fresh lemon creates a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp dried oregano

Citrus and Aromatics:

• 3 lemons (juice and zest)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Liquids and Oils:

• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp white wine (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed for optimal seasoning adherence.
2. Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly across both sides of the chicken, massaging the spices into the meat to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Mince garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic oils and preparing them for the marinade.
4. Zest and juice lemons, combining the bright citrus elements in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade base.
5. Whisk together lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and chicken broth in a large bowl, creating a harmonious and fragrant liquid mixture.
6. Immerse chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse deeply.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F, preparing a baking dish that can accommodate the chicken without overcrowding.
8. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and arrange in the preheated baking dish.
9. Roast chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and thoroughly cooked meat.
10. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, maintaining optimal tenderness and moisture.
11. Optional: Drizzle with remaining marinade or white wine before serving for an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to help spices stick and create a beautiful golden crust when roasting.
• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor, but don’t exceed 2 hours as the acid from lemon can start breaking down protein fibers and make meat mushy.
• Choose fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant citrus punch and zesty aroma in the dish.
• For gluten-free and low-carb diets, this recipe naturally fits without any modifications, making it a versatile meal option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg