Lemon & Garlic Greek Marinated Chicken
A flavorful and easy-to-make chicken dish marinated in lemon and garlic.
Equipment
- Large bowl or zip-lock bag
- Skillet or cast iron pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.33 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- In a large bowl or zip-lock bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours. If marinating longer than 30 minutes, place it in the refrigerator.
- About 20-30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature. This helps to cook the chicken evenly.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add enough cooking oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. It's okay to crowd the pan as the chicken will shrink while cooking.
- Cook the chicken undisturbed for about 8-10 minutes. Flip each thigh and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Make sure to check the temperature for safety.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch, serve with fresh chopped herbs and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool to room temperature before storing. For a zesty twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat!