Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs

Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with flavor, these Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs are just the thing. Marinated in a tangy Greek yogurt and lemon mixture, these chicken thighs come out tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned every time. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Zest of one lemon
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• 4-5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning (make sure it has no added salt)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade is not only flavorful but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and delicious.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to fully coat each piece. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for a longer period, up to overnight, for more intense flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate, making the dish even more delicious.

3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures that the chicken thighs cook quickly and evenly, developing a nice golden brown crust.

4. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping. This allows the chicken to bake evenly and helps achieve that perfect crispy edge.

5. Bake the Chicken:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, with a juicy interior.

6. Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve these Greek-style chicken thighs with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Notes

These Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile. You can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd or for meal prepping. The chicken can be served on its own, added to salads, or wrapped in flatbreads with a dollop of tzatziki for a delicious Greek-inspired sandwich.

If you prefer bone-in chicken thighs, you can use those as well—just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Nutrition

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

These Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tangy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic and herbs creates a marinade that not only flavors the chicken but also keeps it incredibly tender. Whether you’re serving it with your favorite sides or using it in wraps or salads, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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