Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken with Olive Oil
There's something magical about the combination of fresh lemon, aromatic herbs, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken recipe brings together these classic flavors in a simple, healthy dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (preferably Koroneiki or a mild Greek variety)
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Juice and zest of 2 lemons
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
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2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 pound baby potatoes, halved
Instructions
1. Create the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This aromatic mixture is where the magic begins—the olive oil acts as a carrier for all those beautiful flavors.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and turn to coat thoroughly. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. The longer marination time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
3. Prepare for roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
4. Arrange in pan: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a large roasting pan or cast-iron skillet. Arrange the halved baby potatoes around the chicken and drizzle everything with the remaining marinade.
5. Roast: Place in the preheated oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The potatoes should be tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Finish with fresh olive oil: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, drizzle with an additional tablespoon of fresh extra virgin olive oil—this finishing touch adds a bright, fruity note that elevates the entire dish.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this recipe's success is the quality of your olive oil. Using a premium extra virgin olive oil like Koroneiki ensures that the healthy fats help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the chicken while adding layers of flavor that cheap oils simply can't match.
The high heat of roasting brings out the chicken's natural flavors while the olive oil keeps everything moist and prevents the herbs from burning. And that final drizzle of raw olive oil? It preserves all those delicate polyphenols that would otherwise be diminished by cooking.
Serve with a simple Greek salad dressed with more of that beautiful olive oil, and you've got a meal that's both incredibly healthy and absolutely delicious.
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