Savory Greek Herb Chicken Thighs
Indulge in a taste of Greece with this Savory Greek Herb Chicken Thighs recipe, inspired by my family's traditional cooking. This dish perfectly marries the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, zesty lemons, and rich olive oil, all complemented by the juiciness of expertly roasted chicken thighs. Ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the luscious sauce, alongside some lemony roasted potatoes and a refreshing Greek salad topped with crumbly feta cheese. Each bite brings a burst of flavor that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken thighs
8 (with skin on)
Seasoning salt
1/2 tablespoon (use Lawry's or Hy's)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste
Oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
Lemons
1 1/2 (juiced)
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Butter
a few knobs
Water
as needed (to create sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a spacious baking dish, arrange the chicken thighs skin side up. Drizzle with the olive oil and juice from one lemon, then lightly massage the thighs to ensure they're evenly coated.
3
Season generously with seasoning salt, freshly ground pepper, and oregano to enhance the aromatic flavors.
4
For an elevated experience, gently tuck small knobs of butter under the skin of each thigh. This will add moisture and richness to your meal.
5
Pour in a small amount of water—about 1/4 cup—to prevent the pan from burning and to create a delicious 'zoumee' (sauce) that will enhance the dish's overall flavor.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remember to check halfway through cooking; if the sauce looks low, add another 1/4 cup of water and the juice from the remaining half lemon for extra flavor.
7
Once the chicken is cooked, turn your oven to BROIL. Carefully watch the thighs as they broil for about 5-10 minutes to achieve a crispy, deep golden-brown skin. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
8
Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve hot with fresh bread, lemon potatoes, and a Greek salad loaded with feta cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Greek Herb Chicken Thighs?
This is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring chicken thighs roasted with fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 chicken thighs with the skin left on for the best flavor and texture.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before cooking the chicken.
How do I prepare the chicken before seasoning?
Arrange thighs skin side up in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and massage them to ensure an even coat.
What seasonings are used in this Greek recipe?
The chicken is seasoned with seasoning salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried oregano.
Which seasoning salt brands are recommended?
The recipe suggests using Lawry's or Hy's seasoning salt for the best flavor.
How can I make the chicken extra moist?
Gently tuck small knobs of butter under the skin of each chicken thigh to add moisture and richness.
What is 'zoumee' in Greek cooking?
'Zoumee' refers to the flavorful sauce or juice created in the pan during the roasting process.
How do I create the sauce for this dish?
Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the baking dish to prevent burning and help create the sauce.
How long should I roast the chicken thighs?
Roast the chicken for approximately 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is thoroughly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Should I check the chicken during roasting?
Yes, check halfway through; if the sauce looks low, add another 1/4 cup of water and more lemon juice.
How do I get the chicken skin crispy?
Turn the oven to BROIL for the last 5-10 minutes until the skin is deep golden-brown.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil for the chicken.
How many lemons are needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 lemons for juicing to provide that zesty flavor.
How much oregano should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of dried oregano to enhance the aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
What should I serve with Greek Herb Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with fresh bread, lemony roasted potatoes, and a Greek salad.
Is feta cheese recommended for the side salad?
Yes, a refreshing Greek salad topped with crumbly feta cheese is a highly recommended accompaniment.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving hot.
Why is fresh bread recommended with this meal?
Fresh bread is ideal for soaking up the luscious 'zoumee' or sauce produced in the pan during roasting.
Can I use more water if the pan looks dry?
Yes, you can add water as needed to prevent burning and maintain the sauce level throughout cooking.
What is the purpose of massaging the chicken?
Massaging the oil and lemon juice into the thighs ensures they are evenly coated for optimal flavor infusion.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried oregano?
The ingredient list specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by the creator's family's traditional Greek cooking methods.
How much seasoning salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of seasoning salt to flavor the meat.
Can I use ground pepper to taste?
Yes, freshly ground pepper should be added according to your own personal taste preference.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and rich olive oil with juicy roasted chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal recipe for a quick yet satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
What should I watch out for during broiling?
Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling for 5-10 minutes to avoid burning the skin.
How many pieces of chicken are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 chicken thighs, making it suitable for a family dinner.