Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe

When you’re craving something irresistibly savory and bright, Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs is the recipe that comes to the rescue. This dish transforms humble chicken thighs into a Mediterranean masterpiece, infused with tangy yogurt, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs. Each bite is juicy, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to prepare, making it perfect whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a fuss-free crowd-pleaser. Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, and it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients are the secret to capturing all the sun-soaked flavors of Greece in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial part—building layers of taste, keeping the chicken wonderfully moist, and ensuring your dinner looks as appetizing as it tastes.

• Chicken Thighs (1.5 pounds, boneless & skinless): The star of the show, they’re juicy, tender, and soak up all those Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
• Greek Yogurt (½ cup, full fat preferred): Makes the marinade ultra-creamy and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps the chicken crisp up in the oven.
• Lemon Zest (from one lemon): Brightens up the dish with a sunny citrus kick you can smell as it bakes.
• Lemon Juice (⅓ cup): Gives a fresh, zippy tang that balances the richness of the yogurt and oil.
• Garlic (4-5 cloves, pressed or minced): Brings a delightful punch of flavor—fresh is best here!
• Dried Italian Seasoning (2 tablespoons): Lends a savory herbal note reminiscent of the Greek countryside.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and rounds everything out.

How to Make Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by grabbing a big mixing bowl and whisking together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. You’ll instantly smell those vibrant, mouthwatering aromas. This luscious marinade is what gives Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs their signature flavor and keeps the chicken supremely tender.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Drop your chicken thighs right into the bowl with the marinade, using tongs or clean hands to coat every piece evenly. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 15 minutes—this quick soak makes a big difference in flavor. If you have extra time (or want to prep ahead), cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to overnight for maximum depth and tenderness.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

When you’re almost ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F. Cranking up the heat ensures the edges of your chicken will caramelize slightly while keeping the inside super juicy.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze. Lay the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet in a single layer—don’t crowd them. This way, the heat circulates, and you get golden, flavorful edges on every piece.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for chicken that’s cooked through and wonderfully juicy—an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F if you want to check. As the thighs bake, your kitchen will fill with the unmistakable aroma of Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs.

How to Serve Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or oregano brings a vivid pop of color and an extra layer of flavor—try adding a shower of chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a truly authentic finish. A little extra lemon zest on top is always a crowd-pleaser and really highlights the brightness of this dish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs with classic sides—think fluffy rice pilaf, oven-roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a Greek salad loaded with crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and briny olives. Even a simple platter of roasted vegetables or garlicky sautéed greens will make a perfect Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dining, pile the chicken on a big serving platter with lemon wedges, olives, and a handful of cherry tomatoes. Or, for an easy weeknight dinner, serve the thighs over a bed of lemon rice or tucked into warm pita with a dollop of extra yogurt sauce and crunchy lettuce. These Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs are also irresistible sliced up in a salad or wrapped up in a burrito for a next-day lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The yogurt marinade helps keep the chicken moist, so you won’t have to worry about it drying out as it sits.

Freezing

If you find yourself with extra, freeze the cooled chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. For best results, remove as much air as possible to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs, place them in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. You can also gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave, but go slow to keep everything juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook (usually 30 to 35 minutes), but they deliver even more flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to check for doneness before serving.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating overnight is a fantastic way to infuse the chicken with extra flavor and tenderness. The yogurt keeps everything moist, and the lemon and garlic work their magic over time. Just cover and refrigerate the marinating chicken until you’re ready to bake.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the Greek yogurt for a thick, unsweetened, plant-based yogurt. Coconut-based or almond milk yogurts are good options, though they may impart a subtle flavor of their own.

Do Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs work with other proteins?

Yes! The marinade tastes incredible on chicken breasts, pork chops, or even shrimp (just reduce the marinating time for seafood). Adjust baking times as needed for different proteins.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries—just use a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil, or even a Greek seasoning blend if you prefer. The flavors will still be spot on.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a no-fuss dinner that delivers serious flavor, you truly won’t regret making Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs. Every bite is a tribute to vibrant Mediterranean cooking, and your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you. Give it a try soon and get ready for rave reviews!

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