Description
This Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bright and aromatic blend of lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. The chicken is seared to golden perfection on the stovetop before finishing in the oven, resulting in a flavorful and crispy skin with a succulent interior. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner that’s rich with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
Marinade
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Additional
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken later.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin turns a golden brown and crispy.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a baking dish, pour the remaining marinade and chicken broth or water around them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute, then serve warm.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps retain moisture and adds flavor.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with water if preferred.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
