Name: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs; ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s at once bright, hearty, and full of Mediterranean sunshine, this Greek Lemon Chicken is the answer. I’m beyond excited to share this recipe because not only does it burst with lemony, herby flavor, but it’s also so approachable for home cooks. The combination of zippy lemon juice, good olive oil, and fragrant herbs transforms humble chicken thighs into pure weeknight magic. With a little prep and the all-important reminder to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), you can bring the irresistible aromas of a Greek taverna right into your kitchen.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients here, and that’s what I love most: each item has a special role, from juicy chicken thighs to a marinade that sinks deep into every bite. Let’s go through what makes this recipe shine!

8 bone-in chicken thighs: The bone helps the meat stay juicy, and chicken thighs take on flavor beautifully.
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and brings everything together for that signature Mediterranean touch.
¼ cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, please! This is where that sunny zip comes from.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic gives the marinade a punchy depth—don’t skimp!
1 tablespoon dried oregano: Herbal, earthy, and instantly conjures the Greek Isles.
2 teaspoons dried thyme: Slightly floral and subtle, balancing the boldness of oregano.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: This sneaky ingredient lifts and sharpens the whole marinade.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for drawing out flavor—season carefully and evenly.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Just enough spice to round out the lively marinade.

How to Make Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Start by gathering all your marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and pepper. Combine them in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. You’ll immediately notice the aroma—it’s already hinting at the deliciousness ahead!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing until each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour (or up to eight if you have the time), covered and refrigerated. Trust me: the longer, the better, as those flavors cozy up and deepen.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and Prepare the Baking Dish

Now, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). This is absolutely key for even, gentle cooking. While the oven heats, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off but saving all that flavorful liquid. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish, then pour the reserved marinade over the top so nothing goes to waste.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken for 40 to 45 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). Baste the chicken once or twice during cooking for extra flavor and juiciness. If you love crispy skin, pop on the oven broiler for the last few minutes (but keep a close eye—you want golden, not burnt!).

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting helps those fantastic juices settle back into the meat, so every bite is moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)

Garnishes

A classic touch is to finish your Greek Lemon Chicken with a scattering of fresh lemon slices or wedges over the top. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or oregano adds color and a fresh herbaceous note that visually and flavorfully pops. If you’re feeling extra, a few Kalamata olives on the side seal the Mediterranean deal.

Side Dishes

This dish is made for simple, soul-warming sides. Think fluffy basmati rice, a crisp Greek salad tossed with feta and cucumbers, or roasted potatoes seasoned with a little extra oregano. A hunk of warm pita bread to soak up the pan juices wouldn’t go amiss either. When you preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), you could even pop in a tray of veggies alongside the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, arrange the chicken thighs on a large platter, surrounded by grilled lemon halves and vibrant herbs. Try serving over a bed of herbed couscous, or shred the chicken and spoon it into pitas with tzatziki and salad. Whether rustic or elegant, this dish adapts to any occasion, especially when you preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) for perfect cooking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Greek Lemon Chicken keeps beautifully! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors mellow and develop even more, making for a fabulous next-day lunch or dinner. If you’ve saved the pan juices, drizzle them over the chicken before sealing it up for maximum moisture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Remember, for best results, always preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) when reheating from frozen to maintain that perfect texture.

Reheating

For the juiciest, tastiest leftovers, place the chicken in a baking dish with any accumulated juices, cover with foil, and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) before heating gently until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps the skin from getting rubbery and ensures even warming throughout.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs?

Absolutely! Although bone-in, skin-on pieces have unbeatable flavor and juiciness, boneless cuts will work in a pinch. Just watch the cook time—breasts especially cook a bit faster, so check them after about 25 to 30 minutes and make sure to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) for reliable results.

Could I make this on the grill instead?

You sure can! This marinade is delicious on grilled chicken. Simply marinate as directed, then grill the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches 175°F (80°C). While you obviously don’t preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) for grilling, the flavor remains unbeatable.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for a full hour?

While one hour really lets the flavors soak in, even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference if you’re tight on time. For best results, plan ahead and marinate longer whenever possible.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Use an instant-read thermometer—chicken thighs should reach 175°F (80°C) for tender, safe results. Look for juices running clear and skin that’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) for steady, reliable cooking!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe multiplies beautifully! Just use a larger baking dish and arrange the chicken in a single, even layer so it cooks evenly. And, of course, adjust your timing as needed but always start by remembering to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to gather your favorite people and treat them to the irresistible experience of this Greek Lemon Chicken. Take a moment to enjoy how good your kitchen smells when you preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), and savor every juicy, zesty bite. Give it a try soon—you’re going to love it!

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect for a simple yet delicious meal. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

8 bone-in chicken thighs
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup 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

Mix marinade: Make the marinade by stirring together the oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Marinate chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Marinate in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
Pat dry: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
Bake the chicken: Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the baking dish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C). Optionally, baste the chicken during cooking and broil for extra crispy skin. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.