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Home » Recipes » Chicken

by Traci · Published: 03/09/2021 · Updated: 04/15/2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

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5 from 17 votes
45 minutes

This Baked Greek Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple baked chicken entree for casual cooks who love zesty flavors. Olive oil, oregano, garlic, and charred lemon are how to make simple chicken thighs an exciting weekday staple or date-night dinner.

baked Greek chicken thighs and charbroiled lemon halves stacked on black plate

Weeknights and date nights just got easier with Greek roasted chicken thighs paired with baked lemon asparagus, sauteed asparagus baked feta pasta, or tomato cucumber salad. These thighs are seasoned and roasted on lemon beds because it adds zesty flavor and prevents the chicken from getting soggy. When served, seasoned charred lemons are also squeezed over the chicken for a zesty flavor explosion.

This Greek chicken recipe is so easy and elegant, it's truly perfect for date night, dinner parties, or any weeknight dinner.

Table of Contents hide
1) Key ingredients
2) How to make Greek lemon chicken
3) How long does it take for bone-in chicken to cook?
4) Recipe tips for Greek roasted chicken
5) Chicken recipes we love
6) Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

Key ingredients

  • chicken thighs - I used bone-in skin-on thighs (cut cooking time in half for boneless thighs).
  • extra virgin olive oil - or preferred cooking oil
  • dried oregano - if using fresh oregano, make sure it is well-oiled
  • garlic powder - or minced fresh garlic
  • sea salt - or Kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • lemons - fresh lemons are what make lemon chicken amazing (avoid using packaged lemon juice)
  • fresh parsley - optional but recommended for color and flavor
Greek chicken thigh recipe ingredients in glass bowls with text overlay

How to make Greek lemon chicken

Here's how you make this Greek lemon roast chicken (get the full printable recipe below)

  1. Coat chicken thighs with oil and seasonings.
  2. Place each thigh on sliced lemon beds.
  3. Bake 35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  4. Broil chicken for crispier skin.
  5. Season and broil the lemon halves.
  6. Serve and devour!
6 image collage of Greek chicken thighs being made

How long does it take for bone-in chicken to cook?

On average, it takes 30-40 minutes to cook bone-in skin-on chicken thighs at 400°F. The chicken must reach a 165°F minimum internal temperature to be considered safe to eat. If said baking time doesn't get chicken to that temperature, continue baking in 5 minute intervals until it does.

baked Greek chicken thighs on white baking sheet next to charbroiled lemons on baking sheet

Recipe tips for Greek roasted chicken

  • You don't have to marinate the chicken for this recipe. It's totally optional.
  • No need to rinse chicken. Doing so only makes more work because it contaminates your surface areas.
  • Always thaw frozen chicken completely before baking to prevent under-cooking.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to confirm a minimum internal temperature of 165°F for all chicken, no matter what part of the chicken you're cooking.
  • If possible, take the chill out of cold chicken by resting 20 minutes at room temperature because it helps meat cook more efficiently and evenly.
  • No need to cover bone-in skin-on chicken thighs when baking because covering prevents the skin from getting crispy.
  • Chicken thighs are very forgiving are naturally delicious even with only a few seasonings.
Greek lemon chicken thighs on white baking sheet

Chicken recipes we love

  • Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
  • Baked Chicken Legs
  • Air Fryer Whole Chicken
  • Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Greek chicken thighs on white baking sheet

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

This Greek Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple baked chicken entree for casual cooks who love zesty flavors. Olive oil, oregano, garlic, and charred lemon are how to make simple chicken thighs an exciting weekday staple or date-night dinner.
5 from 17 votes
Print Pin
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 thighs
Author: Traci The Kitchen Girl

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 6 Chicken Thighs, Bone-In Skin-on, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 lemons, cut in half crosswise
  • 2 lemons, sliced into 12 slices total
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

Prep chicken and lemons

  • Toss CHICKEN THIGHS in a mixing bowl with OLIVE OIL, OREGANO, GARLIC POWDER, SALT, and PEPPER. If time permits, allow chicken to rest 20 minutes at room temperature.
  • Place LEMON HALVES on a small baking sheet with drizzle of OLIVE OIL and sprinkle of OREGANO. Set aside.

To bake, preheat oven to 400°F.

  • Lay LEMON SLICES on a baking sheet in 6 beds (2 slices each).
  • Place seasoned CHICKEN THIGHS on lemon beds and brush excess seasoned oil over the skin.
  • Bake 35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 165° F next to the bone.
  • (optional) Switch oven to HIGH broil and place thighs 8" under broiler until skin is crispy. Remove and set aside to rest.
  • Place seasoned lemon halves 4" under broiler until charred and tender (about 3 minutes).
  • Serve chicken thighs warm with charred lemons and PARSLEY garnish.
  • To store, allow chicken to cool completely. Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Traci's Recipe Notes

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs for Greek chicken?
You sure can! Keep in mind that they will cook in about half the time because they're boneless.
How long does it take for chicken thighs to cook?
On average, it takes 30-40 minutes to cook bone-in skin-on chicken thighs at 400°F. The most important factor determining how long it takes is that chicken must reach a 165°F minimum internal temperature to be considered safe to eat.

Equipment

  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • mixing bowls
  • tongs
  • baking sheets
  • instant-read thermometer
  • airtight storage container(s)

NUTRITION

Serving: 1thigh | Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 329IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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tongs moving Greek lemon chicken thighs from baking sheet to black serving plate

More Chicken Recipes

  • Honey Hot Wings
  • Instant Pot Whole Chicken
  • Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili
  • Easy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
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Comments

  1. James says

    May 21, 2022 at 7:11 am

    This sounds so good and seems pretty simple to prep. I’m definitely going to try this recipe, but I might just try it on the grill. Either way, thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  2. Mandy says

    July 05, 2021 at 5:42 pm

    5 stars
    Second time making this recipe it has a lovely taste.. The only thing I changed was adding a sh.t load of garlic both powder and fresh. I also added extra lemons. Thank you for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      July 06, 2021 at 7:31 am

      Lol awesome, Mandy! Glad to hear it ... love the garlic add-in too! 🙂 Thanks for the review!

  3. Dan says

    April 26, 2021 at 9:02 am

    5 stars
    I was already hooked on your baked chicken thighs, but the lemon and oregano in this Greek chicken has 100% captured my interest. Thanks for the ALWAYS reliable recipes!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      May 21, 2022 at 7:16 am

      You're so welcome, Dan! So glad to hear you're enjoying my chicken recipes 🙂 Thanks for the feedback!

  4. Angela says

    March 29, 2021 at 8:00 am

    5 stars
    An easy and healthy recipe that uses a few great ingredients! The chicken came out so moist. No leftovers here!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 29, 2021 at 10:49 am

      Perfect! So glad you loved it like we do 🙂 Thanks!

  5. Michelle says

    March 29, 2021 at 7:55 am

    5 stars
    I've been looking for a Greek lemon chicken recipe and this one tasted exactly like the one I tried in a restaurant years ago. So tender and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 29, 2021 at 10:48 am

      Yayyy! Restaurant quality meals are so easy to come by right at home. Glad you enjoyed 🙂

  6. Jessie says

    March 29, 2021 at 7:51 am

    5 stars
    I made this last night and everyone loved the lemon, and I am having leftovers for lunch today.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 29, 2021 at 10:48 am

      Awesome! Glad you loved it and yayyy leftovers 🙂 Thanks!

  7. Jenn says

    March 29, 2021 at 7:46 am

    5 stars
    This is a delish recipe - the chicken is moist and tender and the lemon is just perfect!

    Reply
  8. Beth Sachs says

    March 10, 2021 at 8:29 am

    5 stars
    Those chicken thighs are so juicy and tender! I love the sound of the seasoning too.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 10, 2021 at 10:12 am

      Thanks Beth!! So glad to hear it 🙂

  9. Kathryn says

    March 10, 2021 at 8:15 am

    5 stars
    This greek lemon chicken was delicious, flavorful and easy! We loved all of the flavors- especially the fresh lemon!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 10, 2021 at 10:12 am

      Oh yeahhhh! That fresh lemon is key with these Greek chicken thighs. Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed 🙂

  10. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

    March 10, 2021 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    I have everything I need for this dish, can’t wait to make it this weekend!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 10, 2021 at 10:11 am

      Great, Shadi! Glad you can enjoy this one...thanks!

  11. Beth says

    March 10, 2021 at 7:55 am

    5 stars
    These look so juicy and so easy! My family is definitely going to love this! So excited!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 10, 2021 at 10:11 am

      Yay Beth! So glad you can enjoy these...thanks!

  12. Michelle Boule says

    March 10, 2021 at 7:52 am

    5 stars
    We made this for dinner and it was delicious! The chicken was perfectly cooked, moist and well seasoned. Can't wait to make this one again!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 10, 2021 at 10:11 am

      Awesome Michelle! Glad you love Greek chicken thighs as much as we do 🙂 Thanks!

  13. JB says

    March 09, 2021 at 10:59 pm

    5 stars
    These Greek chicken thighs are perfect, esp for me, the guy who doesn't like cooking to be a production. Love how juicy, flavorful, and easy these are! Another winner KG!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      March 10, 2021 at 7:31 am

      You're so welcome! Yep, this Greek chicken is def all about simple. Glad you love it! Thanks JB 🙂

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Hi! I'm Traci and I'm sharing my easy recipes with everyday ingredients, simple instructions, and ALL the flavor. Read more about me.

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