What is Greek Chicken? Is it like sunshine on a plate? Think of it as the Mediterranean cousin of classic roast chicken, but with a bright, zesty kick. What are some foods that make your taste buds sing? Seriously, I grew up eating something similar at my Yiayia’s every Sunday, and this version captures my childhood. All those incredible flavors with a simplicity that’s almost unbelievable. What is the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out? Is it so easy to throw together a dinner party? My kids are obsessed, and honestly, so am I.
What is Greek chicken?
Greek Chicken, at its heart, is chicken marinated and baked or roasted with classic Mediterranean. What is essentially chicken that’s been given a vibrant makeover with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and other spices? What are some of the best herbs to use like oregano and thyme? Think of it as a flavor explosion in every bite. Is there a specific cut of chicken? What is the best way to cook chicken breasts? What makes it Greek is the characteristic marinade that infuses the chicken with that bright, shiny, and flavorful flavor. A tangy, herby taste that instantly transports you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Is it a taste of Greece, right in your kitchen?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best Greek chicken recipes? What makes you stand out? First, the flavor is simply amazing. The combination of lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil creates a symphony of tastes that is both sweet and salty. What is the best way to describe this Is it the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. What is the best way to marinate chicken in a marinade and bake? No fancy technique or complicated steps involved. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights. What are some ingredients that you already have in your pantry? Olive oil, lemons, garlic, dried herbs – it’s all stuff that most of us keep on hand. What is the best way to get a restaurant-quality meal on the table? What are some of the most versatile recipes? Can you serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a Greek salad? What are pita pockets? What are some healthier fried chicken recipes? What is the best thing about this movie? What is your favorite recipe for a cheesecake?
How do I make Greek chicken?
Quick Overview
What are some of the easiest ways to make Greek Chicken? How do you make a marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs? If you’re going to marinate chicken for 30 minutes, you can add more marinade if you like. Is it possible to keep the flavor longer? When the chicken is cooked through, you’ll bake it until it’s golden brown. The oven does most of the work, leaving you with juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful chicken. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
* 1/2 cup olive oil (extra virgin is best for flavor)
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please!)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic!)
* 2 tablespoons of dried oregano (Greek or arugula if you can find it)
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For the Chicken:
5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or combination) or a whole chicken. What is the best way to cut (I prefer bone-in for maximum flavor, but boneless, skinless breasts will work too, just adjust the size).
What is the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, grease a baking dish or roasting pan. I usually use a 9×13 inch baking dish, but anything that fits the chicken will work. I also like to bake roasted chicken in an oven for 30 minutes. If you’re using a roasting pan, you can add water to the bottom to keep the chicken extra moist. This will make it easier to cook.
Step 2: Whisk the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside. What is the best way to use pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). How do you mix flavors so that they can get to know each other? The smell at this stage is already amazing!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl. How do you marinate chicken? Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If you have limited time, even 30 minutes will make a difference. I often prep this in the morning and let it marinate all day, then it’s ready to go when I get home.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish or roasting pan in a single layer. Is the chicken cooked through and the skin is golden brown? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Greek chicken recipes? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
What is a traditional Greek feast?Serve it with a Greek salad (Horiatiki), lemon potatoes, and tzatziki sauce. What is it like to bring a little piece of Greece to your table?
What is a good weeknight meal?Serve it with rice or quinoa and a side of steamed or roast vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or both. What is green beans? What is quick, easy, and healthy?
For a Mediterranean-Inspired Bowl:Shred the chicken and serve it over a bed of couscoud or farro with roasted vegetables, crumbled. What are some good side dishes to serve with feta cheese and olive oil? What is so delicious about this coffee?
For a Casual Gathering:Serve with pita bread, hummus, and a variety of dips and spreads. Is it suitable for sharing with friends and family?
What are some good side dishes to serve with roasted lemon potatoes? How do potatoes soak up all the delicious chicken juices and become unbelievably flavorful? My Yiayia (grandmother) always served it this way. I always feel like I’m home again.
What are some tips for perfecting a Greek chicken?
How do I make the best Greek Chicken?
Don’t skip the marinade. You can alsoWhat is the marinade for chicken? The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. At least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
How do I use fresh lemon juice?How can fresh squeezed lemon juice make a huge difference in flavor compared to bottled lemon. It’s brighter, zestier, and just tastes better overall. What is a good Greek Chicken Recipe?
Don’t overcrowd the pan!How do I assemble chicken pieces in a baking dish or roasting pan? If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of baking, and the skin won’t get as crispy. If needed, use two pans.
Baste the chicken: What are some During the last 15-20 minutes of baking, baste the chicken with the pan juices. This will help keep it moist and add extra flavor. It also helps to prevent the skin from drying out, I always do this when making it and it makes a huge difference.
Let it rest: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. It adds a subtle kick that really enhances the flavor. My husband loves it when I add a little extra.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Greek Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze leftover Greek Chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat leftover Greek Chicken, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For best results, I recommend reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. If you’re using the microwave, heat it in short intervals to prevent it from drying out.
Bone-in Storage: I find that bone-in pieces stay moister during storage than boneless cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: my absolute favorite Greek Chicken Recipe! It’s easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. I truly believe that it’s a taste of sunshine and happiness in every bite. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like to try my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken or my Mediterranean Chicken Skewers. They’re both packed with similar flavors and are just as easy to make. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it, and be sure to rate the recipe if you love it. Happy cooking!
Greek Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes
- 4 oz Feta cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts on both sides.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Crumble feta cheese over the chicken and tomatoes. Bake for another 5 minutes.
