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Greek Chicken with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Greek Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt, olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bright Mediterranean flavors. After a brief marinating time, the chicken is oven-baked to golden perfection, making it an easy yet impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ Tbsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon (about 1-2 Tbsp)
  • ¼ bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped (about a big handful)

Chicken

  • 3½ to 4 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on for best results)

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until well blended.
  2. Add lemon zest and juice: Using a fine-holed cheese grater or zester, scrape the thin, yellow zest from the lemon skin directly into the marinade bowl. Next, squeeze the juice from half the lemon (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  3. Chop and add parsley: Roughly chop a big handful (about ¼ bunch) of fresh parsley and stir it into the marinade, distributing the fresh herb flavors throughout.
  4. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces and the prepared marinade into a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible, seal the bag tightly, and massage the contents gently to ensure each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate the bag for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
  5. Preheat the oven: After the marinating time, preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to prepare for baking.
  6. Bake the chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken pieces into a large casserole dish (9×13 inches) arranged evenly and uncovered. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165℉ (74℃), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or a mix.
  • You can marinate the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, for deeper flavor absorption.
  • If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried can be used, but fresh gives a brighter taste.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or Greek salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftover Greek chicken keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Halal