Description
Succulent oven baked Greek chicken thighs arrive at your table with Mediterranean flair, packed with zesty lemon, oregano, and garlic that make your dinner feel like a quick trip to Greece. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these chicken thighs will become your new weeknight dinner favorite that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning (salt-free preferred)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4–5 cloves garlic
- Zest of 1 lemon
Liquids and Fats:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Blend ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup olive oil, zest from 1 whole lemon, ⅓ cup lemon juice, 4-5 pressed garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper into a smooth, tangy marinade.
- Tumble 1.5 pounds chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets completely saturated with the zesty mixture.
- Allow chicken to soak in marinade for minimum 15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development.
- Position oven rack in center and heat to precisely 425°F for consistent cooking.
- Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even browning.
- Roast chicken for exactly 20-25 minutes until golden exterior forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest 3-4 minutes to redistribute juices, then optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley, crumbled feta, or lemon wedges.
Notes
- Marinating overnight transforms the chicken, allowing herbs and lemon to penetrate deeply for maximum flavor.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier results and more crispy skin during baking.
- Patting chicken dry before baking helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
- For a low-carb version, swap out any sugary marinade ingredients with herbs and spices to keep the dish lean and clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 356 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg