Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs feature juicy, bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a tangy blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then pan-seared to a perfect golden finish. This flavorful and easy-to-make dish captures the essence of traditional Greek flavors, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs (about 6-8 pieces)
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried dill, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a zesty marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bone-in chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin side down into the hot skillet. Sear for about 6-7 minutes without moving them to develop a crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the chicken pieces over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, occasionally spooning some of the pan juices over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pat chicken skin dry before marinating.
- Chicken can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes if preferred over stovetop.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking will keep it juicy.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/greek-lemon-chicken-thighs-recipe/
