Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken

$To make Greek Lemon Chicken, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Each one adds a burst of flavor. Here is what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 lemons (zested and juiced) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - Fresh parsley for garnish Chicken thighs are juicy and tender. They soak up the zesty marinade well. Lemons give the dish its bright flavor. The zest adds a nice aromatic touch. Garlic brings warmth, while oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Chicken broth adds richness to the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Kalamata olives bring a salty bite. Fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to cook a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a bowl. In it, combine the juice and zest of two lemons. Add three minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon of oregano, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all up well. Now, take your four chicken thighs and add them to the marinade. Make sure they get fully coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, two hours will give you even better flavor. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the fridge. Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in one cup of chicken broth. Add halved cherry tomatoes and pitted Kalamata olives. Stir this mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When the chicken is done, take the skillet out of the oven. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that nice touch. Now your Greek Lemon Chicken is ready to serve! Enjoy the bright flavors and juicy chicken. - Optimal marinating time: Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, go for 2 hours. This time lets the flavors seep in well. - How to enhance flavor: Add more garlic or herbs for a bolder taste. You can also include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Don't forget to coat the chicken fully in the marinade. - Searing vs. baking methods: Start by searing the chicken to lock in juices. This step gives the chicken a golden color and a nice crust. After that, bake it to finish cooking. This two-step method keeps it juicy. - Temperature tips for juiciness: Bake at 400°F (200°C). This temperature cooks the chicken evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. - Best sides to pair with Greek Lemon Chicken: Serve it with lemon rice or a fresh Greek salad. These sides balance the dish's rich flavors. You can also add crusty bread to soak up the tasty broth. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours. If you have time, marinating overnight will infuse even more zest and tenderness. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried oregano works well, using fresh oregano will elevate the dish with a brighter flavor. If possible, try to use fresh herbs whenever you can. Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Serve with a Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad to complement the zesty flavors of the chicken. {{image_2}} You can change the cuts of chicken if you like. Chicken breasts work well too. Thighs stay juicy, but breasts are leaner. You can also use bone-in chicken for more flavor. Herbs and spices are easy to swap. If you don’t have oregano, use thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs add a nice touch. Dried herbs can work in a pinch. For gluten-free options, check your chicken broth. Some broths may contain gluten. Use a gluten-free brand for a safe choice. You can also skip the olives if needed. If you want low-calorie alternatives, use less olive oil. You can also reduce the amount of chicken. Instead of using thighs, try skinless breasts. They are lower in fat. Add some heat if you like spice. A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. You can also add a chopped jalapeño for more kick. Mix in different veggies for a colorful dish. Bell peppers or zucchini pair well. They add flavor and nutrients. Try adding spinach for a healthy twist. To store your Greek Lemon Chicken safely, let it cool first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Make sure to use a container that seals well. Glass containers are great, but sturdy plastic works too. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat them. You can use a microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. To freeze Greek Lemon Chicken, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Place it in the fridge overnight to thaw slowly. For quicker thawing, you can use the microwave. Once thawed, reheat in the oven or on the stove. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! For the best flavor, marinate Greek Lemon Chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. This longer time helps the chicken soak up the lemon, garlic, and herbs. The result? Juicy and tasty chicken bursting with flavor. Yes, you can use other chicken cuts if you prefer. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, too. Just remember that they cook faster than thighs. Adjust your cooking time to avoid drying them out. You can also use chicken drumsticks or wings for a fun twist. Pair Greek Lemon Chicken with dishes that complement its bright flavors. Here are some great side options: - Greek salad with cucumbers and feta - Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Rice pilaf with herbs - Crusty bread to soak up the juices For drinks, a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Enjoy! This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for making Greek Lemon Chicken. You learned how to prepare a tasty marinade, cook the chicken, and serve it beautifully. Remember to try different herbs or veggies for new flavors. Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy this dish even later. Embrace these tips for a delightful meal that impresses every time. Happy cooking!$

A flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs with lemon, garlic, and olives, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 pieces lemons (zested and juiced)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, sear the marinated chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, and olives, stirring to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the broth mixture.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

Keyword chicken, Greek, lemon, marinated, olive