Greek Lemon Herb Chicken (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, baked to golden tenderness.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)

→ Marinade

02 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
04 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Extra chopped parsley

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or resealable bag. Mix thoroughly.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
04 - Place marinated chicken breasts in a single layer inside a baking dish. Pour remaining marinade over the top.
05 - Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
06 - Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve garnished with lemon wedges and additional parsley, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The chicken stays incredibly moist because the acid in the lemon juice tenderizes the meat while the oil keeps everything juicy through baking.
  • You can prep this in the morning and let it marinate all day, so dinner practically cooks itself when you get home hungry.
  • The Mediterranean herbs taste bright and alive without any heaviness, making you feel good about what you're eating.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting step, as those five minutes genuinely change whether the meat stays moist or turns dry once you bite into it.
  • If your marinade sits for more than four hours, the lemon juice can start to 'cook' the surface of the chicken, which changes the texture in a way you probably don't want.
03 -
  • Room-temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold chicken straight from the fridge, so take it out 10 minutes before baking if you remember.
  • If your oven runs hot, start checking the chicken at 22 minutes rather than waiting the full 30, as every oven behaves differently.
Go Back