Greek Lemon Chicken

Ah, Greek Lemon Chicken. Just the name conjures up sunny skies and the aroma of citrus and herbs. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor bomb that’s as quick to prepare as it is healthy and satisfying. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again. I remember the first time I made it, my whole family was asking for seconds, and clean up was so easy!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

My love for Greek Lemon Chicken started on a family vacation to Greece years ago. Wandering through a small village, we stumbled upon a tiny taverna where the aroma rolling out of the kitchen was simply irresistible. The owner, a kind woman with a warm smile, shared a simplified version of her family’s recipe. It wasn’t just the taste – the perfectly balanced lemon, garlic, and oregano – but the warmth of the experience that made Greek Lemon Chicken more than just a meal. It became a cherished memory and a flavor I craved to recreate back home.

Ingredients

• Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon Marinade:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear: Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Chicken is cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Greek Lemon Chicken

A quick, healthy, and flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Marinade

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Bowl
• Resealable bag or shallow dish
• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2. Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
   4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   1 tablespoon olive oil
4. Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Chicken is cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.