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Homemade Easy Greek Chicken photo

Easy Greek Chicken

This Easy Greek Chicken is bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic blend make for a perfect dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Chicken, Easy, Grilled, Marinated
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 1/2 cup avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt to taste

For the Chicken:

  • 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs

Instructions

Preparation Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, and sea salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  • When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to crisp up the skin while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish. You can pour a little of the marinade over the top for extra flavor, but don't overcrowd the pan.
  • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Roasting pan or baking dish
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Sharp knife

Notes

  • Avocado oil can be replaced with olive oil for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.
  • If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley (about 1 tablespoon) or substitute with fresh basil.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted with bone-in skin-on chicken breasts, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.