Name: Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 1 h 36 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: Zest of 2 large lemons (about 2 tablespoons); Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup); 1 small shallot, minced (about 3 tablespoons); 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces); 6 sprigs fresh parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 13 reviews

If you adore dishes bursting with bright flavors and simple elegance, the Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe is destined to become your new dinner favorite. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with a lively marinade of fresh lemon, aromatic herbs, and bold spices that create a harmonious Mediterranean taste. The balance of zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and a touch of paprika delivers a delightful punch that will make your kitchen smell incredible and your family or guests ask for seconds. It’s effortless to prepare yet impressive enough to serve anytime you want a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four raw chicken thighs are placed on a white marbled surface, spread out evenly. Each piece shows smooth, pale pink skin with slight white fat edges, and the texture looks moist and fresh. The thighs vary slightly in size but maintain a plump, rounded shape. The background is a clean white marbled surface that adds subtle texture contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this recipe right means using a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that each bring unique brightness and depth to the dish. From vibrant lemons to fragrant herbs and spices, every component enhances the wonderful texture and flavor of the chicken thighs.

Lemon zest and juice: Provides a fresh, tangy brightness that brightens the chicken’s flavor.
Small shallot: Adds a mild sweetness with a subtle oniony punch that blends beautifully with garlic.
Garlic cloves: Offers savory warmth and depth, essential for that layered herbal profile.
Olive oil: A rich, fruity base that helps coat the chicken and carries the flavors.
Dried oregano: The classic Greek herb that brings an earthy aroma and slight bitterness making the dish authentic.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken stays juicy.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a lovely reddish hue.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle spice and complexity.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfect for their tenderness and ability to soak in the marinade fully.
Fresh parsley: A final bright, herbal touch that complements the lemon beautifully.

How to Make Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by zesting two large lemons into a medium bowl to capture all that fragrant oil trapped in the skin, then juice the lemons to add a bright citrus base. Finely mince a small shallot and four garlic cloves and add them to the bowl. This combination lays the foundation for bold, aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Add the Herbs and Spices

Next, pour in 1/4 cup olive oil, and sprinkle in the dried oregano, kosher salt, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together vigorously until the marinade is well blended and vibrant. Each spice plays its part, creating layers of tastiness that will soak into the chicken.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the marinade cling better and place them in the bowl. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the zesty mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to two hours to allow the flavors to develop deeply and the chicken to tenderize.

Step 4: Heat Up and Cook the Chicken

When ready to cook, heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to sear. Add half of the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want a beautiful, golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of at least 165ºF. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining thighs. This step locks in juiciness and gives that irresistible crispy edge.

Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and herbal freshness. This final touch not only adds to the dish’s visual appeal but also complements the zesty marinade perfectly.

How to Serve Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a grilled piece of chicken thigh held by a silver fork. The chicken is golden brown with charred spots and a slightly crispy texture, sprinkled with small chopped green herbs. Below the chicken, there is a white marbled surface with a slice of lemon partially visible, adding a hint of brightness to the scene. The lighting highlights the juicy and tender details of the chicken, making it look freshly cooked and flavorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice, but you can also add thin slices of lemon or a few toasted pine nuts for extra texture and brightness that complement the main flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy couscous or herbed rice to soak up the lemony juices, or a crisp Greek salad for contrasting freshness. Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers also make fantastic accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over warm pita bread with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce to create a handheld treat. You could also arrange the thighs on a platter with slices of cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a stunning Mediterranean-style spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain moistness without condensation.

Freezing

If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled, cooked thighs in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove excess air. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through to preserve tenderness and retain that delicious crust. You can also use a microwave on medium power, but be careful not to overcook and dry the meat.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

The chicken should marinate for at least one hour, but no more than two hours for this recipe. Longer marinating might start to break down the texture too much because of the lemon’s acidity.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

What can I substitute for dried oregano?

If you don’t have dried oregano, you can use dried thyme or marjoram. Both will contribute an herbal note, though oregano is the classic Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the skillet?

Definitely. After marinating, bake the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 400ºF for about 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through. This method is great if you want to cook a larger batch at once.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe is a wonderful go-to for anyone looking to bring fresh, zesty flavors into their weeknight dinner rotation without complicated steps. Its bright lemony marinade and rich herbaceous notes make every bite a little celebration of Mediterranean cooking. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with hearty, joyous meals that people will keep asking for.