Are you ready to bring a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your dining table? This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a culinary delight that will transport you straight to the heart of Greece. From the tangy, citrusy marinade to the perfectly roasted chicken, every bite is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region. Read on to discover how you can recreate this exquisite dish in your kitchen.
What is Greek Lemon Chicken?
Greek Lemon Chicken is a classic Mediterranean dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the bright, zesty notes of lemon. Marinated with a blend of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon juice, the chicken is then roasted to perfection. This dish is known for its simplicity and depth of flavor, making it a favorite in many households.
Ingredients List for Greek Lemon Chicken
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
- Lemon: 2 large lemons (juiced and zested)
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Oregano: 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt: 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Potatoes: 4 medium-sized potatoes, cut into wedges
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- Kalamata Olives: ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- Red Onion: 1 large red onion, sliced
- Feta Cheese: ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Tomatoes: 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
Substitutions and Variations
If you have dietary restrictions or want to try something different, here are some substitutions and variations:
- Chicken: Substitute with boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker cooking time.
- Lemon: Use lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Oregano: Swap with thyme or rosemary for a different herb profile.
- Potatoes: Replace with sweet potatoes or carrots for a sweeter taste.
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Cook Greek Lemon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes
- While the oven is preheating, cut the potatoes into wedges.
- Toss the potato wedges in a bowl with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a large baking dish.
- Place the potato wedges around the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth into the dish, avoiding pouring directly over the chicken to maintain the marinade.
Step 6: Roast the Chicken
- Roast the chicken and potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- If the chicken skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Marinating Long Enough: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal.
- Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Ensure there is enough space between the chicken pieces and potatoes for even roasting.
- Skipping the Broil Step: This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Using High Heat: Avoid cooking at temperatures higher than 400°F to prevent burning the marinade.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or steamed vegetables.
- Grains: Pair with rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious juices.
- Bread: Accompany with warm pita bread or crusty bread.
Presentation Ideas for Greek Lemon Chicken
- Rustic Style: Serve directly from the baking dish for a family-style meal.
- Plated Elegance: Arrange a piece of chicken and a few potato wedges on individual plates, garnished with parsley and a slice of lemon.
- Buffet Setup: Set up a buffet with various sides and toppings, allowing guests to customize their plates.
Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe Tips
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh oregano or thyme for a more vibrant flavor.
- Zesting Lemons: Use a microplane grater for finely grated lemon zest.
- Extra Juicy Chicken: Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through roasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken? A: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken? A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
Q: What other vegetables can I add? A: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done? A: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Conclusion
This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is a delightful way to experience the flavors of the Mediterranean right in your home. With its simple yet flavorful marinade and easy preparation steps, it's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give it a try and let the zesty, aromatic goodness of Greek cuisine transform your meal times. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!
PrintGreek Lemon Chicken Recipe
Enjoy a delightful Greek Lemon Chicken recipe, featuring juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano. Perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
- Lemon: 2 large lemons (juiced and zested)
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Oregano: 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt: 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Potatoes: 4 medium-sized potatoes, cut into wedges
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional Ingredients: ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, 1 large red onion (sliced), ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 medium tomatoes (quartered)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the marinade, coat well, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Arrange chicken in a baking dish with potatoes around it.
- Pour chicken broth into the dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and add optional ingredients if using.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
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