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