Greek Lemon Baked Chicken

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Anna Middleton (@chefanna)

A flavorful Greek-inspired baked chicken dish with lemon and herbs.

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr
Greek Lemon Baked Chicken recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 2 pieces of chicken)

Marinade

  • 1tbsp
    Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2cup
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2tbsp
    Fresh Oregano (roughly chopped)
  • 1tbsp
    Fennel Seeds (lightly roasted)
  • 1tbsp
    Cumin Seeds (lightly roasted)
  • 2tbsp
    Lemon Zest
  • 1/2cup
    Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 8piece
    Chicken Thighs
  • 8piece
    Chicken Drumsticks
  • 8piece
    Lemon Slices
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2tbsp
    Fresh Mint (chiffonade)
  • 2tbsp
    Fresh Italian Parsley (roughly chopped)

How to make Greek Lemon Baked Chicken

Marinade Preparation

  1. In a mixing bowl, add the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.

  2. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Cover and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Cooking

  1. Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius.

  2. Heat a griddle pan until smoking hot. Brown the chicken on both sides to get a charred color.

  3. Place the chicken into an ovenproof dish in a single layer. Add the lemon slices and bake in the oven until cooked through.

Serving

  1. Serve the chicken with fresh mint and Italian parsley as garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  1. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

  2. Ensure the griddle pan is very hot before browning the chicken to achieve a good char.

FAQS

  1. How do I properly marinate Greek lemon baked chicken for the best flavor?

    To achieve the best flavor in your Greek lemon baked chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2 hours. Combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, then pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Cover and refrigerate during the marination process.

  2. What are some good side dishes to pair with Greek lemon baked chicken?

    Greek lemon baked chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fluffy couscous. For a more traditional touch, you could also serve it with lemon rice or tzatziki sauce for dipping.

  3. Can I substitute chicken thighs and drumsticks with other cuts of chicken in this recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs and drumsticks with other cuts like chicken breasts or wings. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary. If using chicken breasts, they may cook faster, so check for doneness earlier to avoid drying them out.

  4. How should I store leftovers of Greek lemon baked chicken?

    To store leftovers of Greek lemon baked chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken, which can last for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

  5. Is Greek lemon baked chicken suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    Yes, Greek lemon baked chicken is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that any additional sides or sauces you serve with it are also gluten-free to maintain a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

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chefanna's profile picture

Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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