Baked Greek Lemon Chicken

Baked Greek Lemon Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines the bright flavors of lemon and herbs with tender, juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on) or 8 chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Baking the Chicken

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish. Pour the chicken broth into the dish around the chicken pieces to keep them moist during baking.
3. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. If the chicken is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Broil (Optional): For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving the Chicken

1. Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices.
2. Serve: Serve the Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or rice pilaf.

Tips for Best Results

• Marinating Time: Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Even Cooking: If using chicken breasts and thighs together, note that thighs may cook slightly faster. Consider removing thighs a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.
• Pan Juices: The pan juices are incredibly flavorful and can be spooned over the chicken or used as a sauce for accompanying sides.

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Baked Greek Lemon Chicken, perfect for any occasion!

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