Juicy Mediterranean Oven-Baked Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe

Succulent and aromatic oven baked Greek chicken thighs dance with Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece.

Herbs and spices weave magic into tender, juicy meat, creating a dish that sings with authentic zest.

Garlic, oregano, and lemon mingle effortlessly, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each bite bursts with robust seasoning that makes ordinary chicken extraordinary.

The marinade infuses deep, rich notes that caramelize beautifully during roasting.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a restaurant-worthy dinner you can easily make at home.

Let this Greek-inspired chicken become your new weeknight culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Calories: 435 kcal

Servings: 5

Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy cut that absorbs marinade beautifully, perfect for absorbing rich Mediterranean flavors with less dryness compared to chicken breasts.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that tenderizes meat and adds tangy richness while creating a silky marinade texture.
• Olive Oil: Authentic Mediterranean ingredient that helps distribute spices and creates golden, crispy exterior when baking.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus essence that infuses bright, zesty notes into the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Natural meat tenderizer that adds vibrant acidity and helps break down protein fibers.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides deep, earthy undertones and classic Mediterranean essence.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that delivers complex, layered herbal notes with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Kosher Salt: Crucial for enhancing and balancing overall dish flavor, helping to season meat thoroughly.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth, complementing the herb and citrus elements in the marinade.

Tools for Preparing Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized for whisking marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending yogurt, oil, and seasonings together.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure olive oil and yogurt accurately.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with foil for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Meat Thermometer: Confirms chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Sharp Knife: For zesting lemon and preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Helpful for arranging and removing chicken from baking sheet.

Instructions for Perfect Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs

• Greek Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty marinade blending tangy yogurt, bright citrus notes, and aromatic herbs that will transform ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean sensation.

• Chicken Infusion

Generously coat chicken thighs with the marinade, allowing each piece to absorb the vibrant flavors for maximum taste impact.

• Oven Preparation

Heat oven to a sizzling temperature that ensures crispy exterior and tender interior of the chicken.

• Baking Arrangement

Spread marinated chicken on a foil-lined sheet, ensuring each piece has space to develop golden edges and succulent texture.

• Culinary Transformation

Roast chicken until it reaches perfect doneness, with a beautiful golden-brown color and juices that promise incredible flavor.

• Delicious Presentation

Let chicken rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute, then serve and transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.

Flavor Tips for Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs

• Flavor Boost Tip: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like oregano or mint over the chicken just before serving to enhance the authentic Greek taste and add a vibrant fresh touch.
• Marinade Magic: Experiment with different yogurt varieties like Greek or strained yogurt to create richer, creamier marinades that help tenderize the chicken more effectively.
• Skin-Crispy Trick: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs completely dry before marinating and use a broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to achieve golden-brown edges.
• Meal Pairing Suggestions: Serve these Greek chicken thighs alongside traditional sides like roasted lemon potatoes, Greek salad, tzatziki, or warm pita bread to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that will transport your taste buds to the sunny Greek islands.

Serving Ideas for Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs

• Greek Feast Platter: Create a vibrant Mediterranean spread by serving the chicken thighs alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad with feta cheese and kalamata olives.
• Zesty Rice Companion: Pair the chicken with lemon-herb rice pilaf, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and complementary Mediterranean flavors.
• Rustic Family-Style Meal: Present the chicken on a large wooden board with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions, allowing everyone to create their own delicious combinations directly from the shared platter.
• Refreshing Weekend Lunch: Transform the chicken into a light meal by slicing it and tucking into a wrap with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of extra tzatziki sauce for a quick and satisfying lunch option.

Save and Reheat Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs Easily

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken thighs during your initial preparation. These can transform into delicious lunch salads, wrap fillings, or quick protein additions for dinner the next day, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken remains fresh and tasty for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its juicy texture and Greek-inspired flavors.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken thighs in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside a sealed freezer bag. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best quality and taste.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave works faster but might compromise the chicken's crisp edges. Adding a tablespoon of chicken broth helps prevent dryness during reheating, keeping the meat succulent and flavorful.

Succulent Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Quick Mediterranean classic Greek Chicken Thighs combine zesty herbs and tangy lemon for a delightful dinner. Crisp skin and juicy meat promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with warm pita and fresh salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt, plain (full fat)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) lemon juice
• 4–5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 tbsps dried Italian seasoning (no added salt)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper into a harmonious, smooth blend that promises rich flavor complexity.
2. Chicken Marination: Thoroughly enrobe chicken thighs with the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Let the meat luxuriate in the flavor-rich mixture for 15-30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for deeper infusion.
3. Oven Preparation and Chicken Positioning: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then strategically arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single, evenly spaced layer to guarantee uniform cooking and optimal golden-brown development.
4. Roasting Process: Slide the prepared chicken into the heated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes. Monitor the transformation until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden hue and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F, indicating perfect doneness.
5. Resting and Serving: After removing from the oven, allow the chicken to rest briefly, enabling natural juice redistribution. This crucial pause enhances the meat’s tenderness and flavor intensity, promising a delectable Greek-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Boost Marinade Power: Let chicken sit in yogurt mixture for at least 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat effectively.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Spread chicken thighs in a single layer with spaces between pieces to ensure crispy, evenly cooked results.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute, keeping meat incredibly moist and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 315 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg