If you’re craving a bright, flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, this Greek Lemon Chicken is the perfect busy-night solution. Tender, juicy chicken thighs soak in a bold lemon-herb marinade made with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme—classic Mediterranean ingredients that bring big flavor with minimal effort. Everything bakes to golden perfection, making this a healthy, one-pan chicken dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken
This dish is the perfect balance of simple ingredients and vibrant Greek flavor. The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken while the olive oil keeps it moist and juicy. Dried herbs like oregano and thyme infuse the marinade with warm, earthy notes, and Dijon mustard helps everything cling beautifully to the chicken. Better yet, this recipe requires almost no cleanup, uses pantry staples, and works for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a wholesome family meal. If you love Mediterranean cooking, this easy lemon chicken will become one of your go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh preferred)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. The mixture should smell bright and aromatic.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up in the oven. Trim any excess fat if you prefer.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the thighs in a dish or large zip bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is coated well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy. Spoon some of the lemon-herb pan juices over the top before serving. Pair with rice, roasted potatoes, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad.
Tips & Variations
- Use boneless thighs to reduce cooking time by 5–10 minutes.
- Add vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it a true one-pan dinner.
- Boost the lemon flavor by adding sliced lemon rounds directly to the baking dish.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Meal prep friendly: The chicken stores well for up to 4 days and stays juicy even after reheating.
Easy Greek Lemon Chicken for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy Greek Lemon Chicken for Busy Nights features juicy bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb mixture, then baked until golden, tender, and full of Mediterranean flavor. It’s simple to prep, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
8 bone-in chicken thighs
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp in the oven, and trim any excess fat if desired.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat each piece evenly.
4. Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
5. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish or roasting pan, pouring any remaining marinade over the top.
7. Bake the chicken for 35–45 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute.
9. Spoon some of the lemon-herb pan juices over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.
10. Serve warm with your favorite sides such as roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and good quality extra-virgin olive oil.
You can add sliced lemon rounds and onion wedges to the pan to create a more complete one-pan Greek chicken dinner.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work; reduce the baking time by about 5–10 minutes.
To keep this meal low carb or keto-friendly, serve the chicken with salad or roasted low-carb vegetables instead of potatoes.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently in the oven or in a skillet with a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with lemon-herb sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 530
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 22
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 150
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve your Greek Lemon Chicken with:
- Roasted potatoes
- Greek salad with feta and olives
- Rice pilaf or couscous
- Warm pita bread and tzatziki
Storage:
Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 3g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 530mg |
Final Thoughts
This Easy Greek Lemon Chicken for Busy Nights proves that simple ingredients can deliver unforgettable flavor. The marinade comes together in minutes, and the oven does all the work—making this the ideal recipe for busy families, beginners, and anyone who loves clean, vibrant Mediterranean cooking. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite.