Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat full of bold flavors. With juicy thighs marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, they’re sure to impress! Plus, they are super easy to make.
When I make these, the kitchen smells amazing, and I can’t help but dance a little! 🕺 Serve them with a side of rice or a fresh salad, and your dinner is set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs offer great flavor and moisture. If you prefer lighter meat, swap for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. However, thighs are juicier and often more forgiving to cook. You could even use drumsticks!
Olive Oil: This is essential for flavor and helps the chicken crisp up. If you’re out of olive oil, you can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil. Both have a high smoke point for roasting.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too. Zest provides extra flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can skip it.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a quicker option, garlic powder can be used instead—about 1 teaspoon should suffice.
Dried Oregano and Thyme: These herbs are crucial for the Mediterranean flavor. If you don’t have dried oregano, Italian seasoning is a good substitute. You can use fresh herbs too; just double the amount since they’re less concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skin Gets Crispy?
Achieving crispy skin on your chicken thighs is all about the cooking method. Start with the right temperature and ensure that the skin is dry before baking. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Pat the chicken skins dry with paper towels. Moisture will prevent crispiness.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the skin crisp quickly.
- Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet with space in between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Letting the chicken rest after baking is also crucial. This lets the juices redistribute while keeping the skin crisp. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes for baking. Plus, if you have time, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) will really enhance the flavors. All in all, you can have this delicious dish ready in about an hour or less, plus marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is an important step to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy skin!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until everything is well combined. This marinade is going to add a burst of flavor to your chicken thighs.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure each piece is coated evenly with the marinade. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time to spare, placing the marinated chicken in the fridge for up to 2 hours works wonders!
4. Arrange for Baking:
Next, place the marinated chicken thighs skin side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. This will help with easy cleanup and ensures that the chicken cooks well.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking sheet or dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken, and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden and crispy!
6. Rest the Chicken:
Once baked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more delicious!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your beautifully baked chicken thighs with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve them up with your favorite side dish—rice or a Greek salad would be fantastic!
Enjoy your flavorful Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Boneless thighs may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil as a substitute. Both options will provide a similar cooking effect and flavor. Just make sure to choose a high smoke point oil for roasting!
How to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, which helps keep the skin crispy.
Can I Marinate Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors. Just make sure to cover the bowl or use a resealable plastic bag to prevent any odors from permeating the chicken.
