🍋 Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity — a quick lemon-garlic-oregano marinade does all the magic. Serve them with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice + zest of 1 lemon
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tbsp fresh)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

1. Marinate longer (up to 8 hours) for deeper flavor.
2. For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating.
3. Use a meat thermometer — chicken thighs are best at 175°F (juicy, not dry!).
4. Save the pan juices and drizzle over rice or potatoes.
5. If grilling, use indirect heat first, then finish over direct heat for crispiness.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish or sheet pan
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts (adjust cook time).
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh rosemary or thyme if you’re out of oregano.
• Yogurt + lemon + garlic marinade works beautifully for a creamier version.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice + zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip bag. Pour marinade over and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).

3. Roast the Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, skin side up. Roast for 35–40 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp 175°F).

4. Rest & Serve

Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 min to keep skin crispy.
• Shred leftovers into wraps, salads, or grain bowls.

💬 Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of bold flavor and everyday simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean — zesty, garlicky, and deliciously satisfying.

👉 Do you want me to also create a full Greek-style dinner spread suggestion (like pairing these thighs with Greek salad, tzatziki, and roasted potatoes) so it feels like a restaurant-style meal?