Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy & Flavorful : The marinade infuses the chicken with tangy lemon, savory garlic, and aromatic herbs.
- One-Pan Simplicity : Minimal cleanup—everything bakes together in one dish.
- Healthy & Wholesome : Packed with lean protein, fresh ingredients, and heart-healthy olive oil.
- Versatile : Serve with sides like rice, potatoes, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Always a hit at gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 4–6
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tbsp fresh oregano)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 lb baby potatoes , halved
- 1 red onion , sliced into wedges
- Lemon slices , for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then add it to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in the baking dish, skin-side up. If using baby potatoes and red onion, scatter them around the chicken for a one-pan meal. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Bake