Easy Greek Chicken

There’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing a delicious meal at home, and nothing quite captures that feeling like Easy Greek Chicken. After a long day, when the craving for something fresh and flavorful hits, this dish always comes to my mind. Picture me in my cozy kitchen, mixing aromatic spices and marinating juicy chicken thighs, while the enticing scent of lemon and garlic fills the air. It’s a dish I often turn to when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to a lovely dinner. The best part? It’s uncomplicated yet bursting with authentic Greek flavors, making it a favorite among family and friends.

What You Need for Easy Greek Chicken

When it comes to crafting Easy Greek Chicken, the ingredients are the stars of the show. Each component plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s not just filling but also bursting with flavor. The harmonious blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and succulent chicken ensures a delightful experience in every bite.

• 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: The main attraction, offering rich flavor and tenderness when cooked.
• ⅓ cup avocado oil: A healthy fat that helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the chicken.
• 1 tbsp lemon zest: Enhances the lemon flavor, providing a fragrant aroma.
• 6 cloves garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds freshness and color to the dish.
• 2 tsp dried oregano: A classic herb in Greek cuisine that imparts a savory taste.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers an earthy flavor that rounds out the other seasonings.
• 1 tsp sea salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

How to Cook Easy Greek Chicken

Cooking Easy Greek Chicken is a delightful adventure that brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a dish that’s bound to impress. Follow along as we transform these ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. This will streamline your cooking process. Take 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and place them into a large zip lock bag. This allows for easy marination.
2. Add ⅓ cup avocado oil, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lemon zest into the bag. These components will create a luscious marinade that penetrates the chicken.
3. Next, include 6 cloves of garlic (minced), ⅓ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped), 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp sea salt to taste. This combination of flavors will infuse the chicken beautifully.
4. Seal the bag tightly and shake it gently, allowing all the ingredients to mix thoroughly. This step ensures that every piece of chicken is coated with the marinade.
5. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 1 hour, but if time allows, try to let it sit for up to 24 hours. This marination process is crucial for deeper flavor absorption.
6. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly.
7. Next, transfer the marinated chicken thighs, along with the marinade, into a large casserole dish. Arrange them in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and crispy skin.
8. Place the dish into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. At this stage, you’ll start to notice a tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen.
9. After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. This final step will help crisp up the skin beautifully.
10. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the skin turns golden-brown and crispy. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
11. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, serve with your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!

Making Adjustments

Adjusting Easy Greek Chicken to suit your taste preferences can be a fun and creative process. Here are some useful tips to help you craft the perfect dish:

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken in a zip lock bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like dill or basil, to customize the flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with warm pita and tzatziki sauce for a true Greek experience.

Perfect Pairings for Easy Greek Chicken

When it comes to enjoying Easy Greek Chicken, the serving possibilities are endless. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Fresh Greek Salad: A crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese complements the chicken perfectly.
• Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread is ideal for scooping up the chicken and any delicious juices.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate, making it a well-rounded meal.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a comforting base and absorbs the chicken’s flavors.
• Occasional Serving: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, festive gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weeks.
• Leftover Lunches: Use leftovers to create a delicious wrap or salad the next day, making it a versatile option.

FAQ

Conclusion

Easy Greek Chicken is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors with ease of preparation. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Easy Greek Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Greek Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that comes together effortlessly. With fresh ingredients and a zesty marinade, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Try it tonight and enjoy a taste of Greece at home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• ⅓ cup avocado oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 6 cloves garlic
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp sea salt to taste

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. This will streamline your cooking process. Take 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and place them into a large zip lock bag. This allows for easy marination.
2. Add ⅓ cup avocado oil, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lemon zest into the bag. These components will create a luscious marinade that penetrates the chicken.
3. Next, include 6 cloves of garlic (minced), ⅓ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped), 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp sea salt to taste. This combination of flavors will infuse the chicken beautifully.
4. Seal the bag tightly and shake it gently, allowing all the ingredients to mix thoroughly. This step ensures that every piece of chicken is coated with the marinade.
5. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 1 hour, but if time allows, try to let it sit for up to 24 hours. This marination process is crucial for deeper flavor absorption.
6. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly.
7. Next, transfer the marinated chicken thighs, along with the marinade, into a large casserole dish. Arrange them in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and crispy skin.
8. Place the dish into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. At this stage, you’ll start to notice a tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen.
9. After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. This final step will help crisp up the skin beautifully.
10. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the skin turns golden-brown and crispy. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
11. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, serve with your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the marinated chicken in a zip lock bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like dill or basil, to customize the flavor.
• Tip 5: Serve with warm pita and tzatziki sauce for a true Greek experience.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!