Greek Lemon Chicken

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe has become a family favorite in our household. I remember the first time I prepared it; the aroma of the lemon and herbs wafted through the kitchen, drawing everyone in. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and we were all gathered for a family meal. As I pulled the chicken from the oven, golden brown and glistening, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The crispy skin, combined with the juicy meat, was a hit, and I was flooded with compliments. It’s these simple moments that remind me why I love cooking. This dish is not only flavorful but also brings everyone together around the table, and there’s something special about sharing a meal that’s infused with love and tradition.

What Goes Into Greek Lemon Chicken

The ingredients of this Greek Lemon Chicken recipe come together to create a dish that’s both scrumptious and satisfying. The star of the show, of course, is the whole chicken, which becomes tender and flavorful as it roasts. Adding fresh lemon juice and zest not only brightens the dish but also helps to tenderize the meat, enhancing its natural flavors. Combined with herbs, these ingredients create a wonderful balance that everyone will love.

• Whole chicken (about 5 pounds): This is the main ingredient that provides a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family. A whole chicken ensures that each piece is juicy and full of flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Greek Lemon Chicken

Cooking the Greek Lemon Chicken is an enjoyable experience that leads to a delicious reward. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll be savoring the incredible flavors of this dish.

1. Begin by preparing the whole chicken. You may choose to tie the chicken with string for an even cook, but it’s not necessary. Ensure the chicken is clean and pat it dry with paper towels for a crispy finish.
2. Next, zest the skin of the lemon, and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. If you don’t have a lemon zester, any microplane grater or fine cheese grater will suffice. This releases the essential oils and gives the dish a fresh citrus flavor.
3. In the same measuring cup, mix the marinade ingredients, which will help enhance the chicken’s flavor. Combine the lemon zest, juice, olive oil, garlic, and any herbs you prefer.
4. Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over it, then seal and mix well. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the fridge, ideally all day while you’re at work, to absorb all those delicious flavors.
5. After work, preheat your oven to 450F/220C. This high temperature helps to create a crispy skin on the chicken.
6. Once preheated, drain the marinade off the chicken and place it in a glass or heavy metal roasting pan, breast side down. If you have a roasting rack, use it. This will allow hot air to circulate under the chicken for even cooking.
7. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until the skin begins to turn golden brown. This initial high temperature sears the skin, creating a lovely crust.
8. After 25 minutes, carefully turn the chicken breast side up and baste with the pan juices for added flavor and moisture. This will ensure the top remains juicy and flavorful.
9. Lower the oven temperature to 350F and continue roasting for an additional 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 170, measured using an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer. This usually takes about an hour and 15 minutes total for a 5-pound chicken.
10. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

Making Adjustments

Cooking is all about finding the right balance and making adjustments as necessary. Here are some tips to help you customize your Greek Lemon Chicken experience.

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: Serve this chicken with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple green salad to complement the flavors.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to add unique flavors to the marinade.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.

Serve This Greek Lemon Chicken With

Serving the Greek Lemon Chicken can be as delightful as preparing it. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Their earthy flavors complement the citrus notes beautifully.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that balances the zesty chicken.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette brightens the meal and adds a refreshing touch.
• Rice Pilaf: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf to soak up all the delicious juices.
• Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, and even holiday meals.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, cool them completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a standout dish in any kitchen. I encourage you to try it out for your next family gathering or weeknight dinner. You won’t regret the time spent preparing this meal, as it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Greek Lemon Chicken

The ultimate comfort food is this Greek Lemon Chicken. Juicy, tender chicken infused with zesty lemon flavors makes for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone loves. Try this recipe tonight for a satisfying and delightful meal!

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Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken about 5 pounds

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Grater
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying pan

Method

 

1. I usually tie the chicken with string, but you don’t have to. Zest the skin of the lemon and then squeeze the juice. If you don't have a lemon zester, any type of microplane grater or even a fine cheese grater will work. Mix marinade ingredients in measuring cup. Put chicken in large Ziploc bag, pour marinade over, then zip bag shut and mix well, until chicken is well coated. Put in fridge and let chicken marinate all day while you’re at work. After work, preheat oven to 450F/220C, drain marinade off and put chicken in glass or heavy metal roasting pan, breast side down. I like to use a pan with a rack in it so the hot air circulates under the chicken, but any roasting pan or baking dish will work. Roast about 25 minutes, then turn breast side up and baste with pan juices. Lower heat to 350 and roast about another 35-45 minutes, or until top is browned and Instant-Read Meat Thermometer reads about 170. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes for a 5 pound chicken. Let rest 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: Serve this chicken with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple green salad to complement the flavors.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to add unique flavors to the marinade.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.