Baked Greek Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Baked Greek chicken is a juicy, savory dish that’s easy to make and perfect for the whole family. This healthy recipe bursts with Mediterranean flavors, making it an irresistible option for dinner this week.

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Baked Greek chicken served with lemon dill rice and salad.

Baked Greek Chicken Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Greek Chicken

  • 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz) bone-in chicken thighs (skin on or off)
  • 2 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ cup (125 g) plain Greek yoghurt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water

Ingredients for Lemon and Dill Rice

  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 brown onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 2 cups (400 g) basmati rice, washed and drained
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill

Ingredients for Tzatziki

  • 1 cup (250 g) plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 Lebanese cucumber, grated
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes

Ingredients for Cucumber, Tomato, and Mint Salad

  • 2 Lebanese cucumbers, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup (30 g) fresh mint leaves, picked
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes

Instructions for Baked Greek Chicken

Marinating the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken. In a large dish, mix all the ingredients except water. Coat the chicken evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Baking the Chicken

Next, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (150°F) if using a fan-forced oven. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, add the water, and bake uncovered for 1 hour. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking for juicy results.

Air Frying the Chicken

If you prefer, you can air fry the chicken. Mix the marinade, coat the chicken, and refrigerate as before. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Preparing Lemon and Dill Rice

For the lemon and dill rice, heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add the rice, lemon juice, chicken stock, and salt. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and cover for 12–14 minutes. Once done, let it stand for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in the lemon zest, parsley, and dill.

Making Tzatziki

Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl and set aside. The cool, creamy texture of this sauce pairs perfectly with the chicken, enhancing its flavors.

Assembling the Cucumber, Tomato, and Mint Salad

Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl. This refreshing side adds a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the baked Greek chicken on a bed of lemon and dill rice. Top with tzatziki and enjoy it alongside the cucumber, tomato, and mint salad for a vibrant meal.

Suggested Sides for Baked Greek Chicken

  • Crispy potato wedges
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Greek salad
  • Hummus
  • Pita bread

Make Ahead Tips

For busy nights, prepare the chicken marinade and refrigerate it in advance. It’s perfect for meal prep and allows for quick dinners during the week. Check out our Greek chicken meal prep for more ideas!

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored easily. Keep the chicken for up to 3 days, the lemon and dill rice for 2 days, tzatziki for 3 days, and salad for 48 hours. However, the salad is best consumed fresh for optimum crunch.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for baked Greek chicken?

You’ll need bone-in chicken thighs, sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, sweet paprika, dried oregano, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and water.

How do I ensure my baked Greek chicken stays juicy?

Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour helps lock in moisture. Also, allowing it to rest after baking is crucial for juiciness.

What sides pair well with baked Greek chicken?

Crispy potato wedges, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, hummus, and pita bread are great sides that complement baked Greek chicken.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor?

Yes, marinating overnight intensifies the flavor, making the chicken even more delicious.

What is the ideal baking temperature for Greek chicken?

The ideal baking temperature for Greek chicken is 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (150°F) if using a fan-forced oven.

Conclusion

Baked Greek chicken is not just a meal; it’s a flavor experience that brings the Mediterranean right to your table. Pair it with our lemon and dill rice and refreshing sides for a delightful dinner. For inspiration, explore more on our Pinterest page, where you’ll find a treasure trove of recipes and ideas to keep your meals exciting!

Baked Greek chicken served with lemon dill rice and salad.

Baked Greek Chicken

A delicious baked chicken dish marinated in Greek flavors, served with rice, tzatziki, and salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Greek
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large dish
  • oven
  • air fryer
  • saucepan
  • bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1.2 kg bone-in chicken thighs skin on or off
  • 2 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ cup (125 g) plain Greek yoghurt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil for rice
  • 1 brown onion finely diced
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic for rice
  • 2 cups (400 g) basmati rice washed and drained
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon for rice
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes for rice
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • 1 cup (250 g) plain Greek yoghurt for tzatziki
  • 1 Lebanese cucumber grated
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill for tzatziki
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice for tzatziki
  • ½ tsp freshly minced garlic for tzatziki
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes for tzatziki
  • 2 Lebanese cucumbers diced for salad
  • 1 cup (150 g) grape tomatoes halved for salad
  • 1 small red onion sliced for salad
  • 1 cup (30 g) fresh mint leaves picked for salad
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes for salad
  • chicken for marinating
  • rice for serving
  • tzatziki for serving
  • salad for serving

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the chicken by mixing all ingredients except water, coating evenly, and refrigerate for 1 hour to 24 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), place chicken in a baking dish with water, and bake uncovered for 1 hour.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking.
  • For air frying, coat the chicken with marinade, refrigerate, preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F), and cook for 25–30 minutes.
  • For lemon and dill rice, sauté onion and garlic, add rice, lemon juice, chicken stock, and salt, then cover and cook for 12–14 minutes.
  • For tzatziki, mix all ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
  • Combine salad ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
  • Serve chicken on rice, topped with tzatziki and accompanied by salad.

Notes

Chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days for chicken and tzatziki, and 2 days for rice.
Keyword baked greek chicken, chicken with tzatziki, family favorite chicken, greek chicken recipe

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