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Juicy Baked Greek Chicken: Easy Lemon Garlic Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of juicy greek chicken breast, seasoned with herbs and resting in yellow pan juices.

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Make incredibly juicy and flavorful Greek Chicken using a simple baked method and a bright lemon garlic marinade. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is fast for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (for baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
  5. Pour the 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the baking dish around the chicken, not over it. This helps keep the chicken moist.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken before serving.

Notes

  • For a complete sheet pan dinner, add cut potatoes and vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the pan during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  • If you use chicken thighs, they may require 5 to 10 minutes longer cooking time than breasts.
  • Use Greek yogurt in the marinade for an extra tender result, replacing 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.

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