Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 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·Leave a Review

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs are one of those meals I turn to when I want something bold, bright, and satisfying without needing a long list of complicated ingredients. Juicy bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then roasted to golden perfection. The marinade not only infuses the meat with Mediterranean flavor but also keeps it tender and moist, making this dish one of my favorite go-to dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings big, fresh flavor with very little effort. The lemon and olive oil keep the chicken juicy while oregano and thyme bring that unmistakable Greek aroma I crave. It’s the kind of meal that feels rustic and homey yet elegant enough to serve guests. I can easily pair it with a salad, roasted potatoes, or warm pita and call it dinner. And the crispy skin after a quick broil? Absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 bone-in chicken thighs
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 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

Directions

In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
I place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, making sure they’re well coated. I cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
When I’m ready to cook, I preheat my oven to 350°F (180°C). I arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish, pouring any leftover marinade over the top.
I bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) and is cooked through.
For extra crispy skin, I broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end—just until golden and slightly charred.
I serve the chicken hot, straight from the oven, with all those flavorful pan juices spooned over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings (2 chicken thighs per person).
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes (not including marinating)

Variations

Add sliced red onions or baby potatoes to the baking dish for a built-in side.
Swap out thyme for rosemary or use fresh herbs if I have them on hand.
Add a splash of white wine to the marinade for more depth.
Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, adjusting cook time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in a covered dish and warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through. It also reheats well in the microwave, though I do that in short bursts to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Yes! I grill the marinated thighs over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely. I reduce the cooking time to about 25–30 minutes for boneless thighs, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Do I have to marinate it for hours?

While longer marination improves the flavor, even 30 minutes will give the chicken a nice boost of flavor in a pinch.

Can I freeze this?

Yes. I often freeze the raw chicken in the marinade and thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. It’s a great meal prep option.

What goes well with this?

I like to serve it with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or even tucked into warm pita with tzatziki.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs are everything I want in a weeknight meal—simple, flavorful, and full of bright Mediterranean vibes. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, turning humble ingredients into a meal that tastes like it came from a seaside taverna. Whether I’m meal prepping or hosting dinner, this dish always delivers.