Who else is constantly on the hunt for a dinner that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen?
These Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs are the answer to that weeknight dinner dilemma we all know too well. Whether you’re racing to get food on the table between soccer practice and laundry or just craving something Mediterranean and flavorful—this one’s a total winner.
Let’s be honest: boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a busy cook’s best friend. Juicy, forgiving, and way more flavorful than chicken breast (no offense, breast lovers), they soak up this Greek-style marinade like they were born for it. And don’t even get me started on the tangy yogurt-lemon-garlic combo—it’s a mini vacation to the Greek isles, no passport required.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
If “easy” and “delicious” are your mealtime love languages, this recipe is about to move in and never leave.
Here’s what makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser:
- No fancy techniques, no stress. Just toss, marinate, and bake.
- Greek-inspired marinade = flavor bomb. That lemony, garlicky, herby combo? Chef’s kiss.
- Ready in 25 minutes (not including marinating time, but honestly, even 15 minutes does the trick).
- Perfect for meal prep, picky eaters, and date night dinners—this chicken does it all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this Greek magic happen:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat gives you the creamiest flavor)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Zest of one lemon
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning (look for salt-free!)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Simple pantry staples, but when they come together? Absolute Mediterranean magic.
How to Make Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
This recipe is as straightforward as they come. You’re just three steps away from tender, juicy chicken with bold, tangy flavor.
Step 1: Marinate Like a Boss
Whisk together all your marinade ingredients in a big bowl.
Toss in the chicken thighs and coat every nook and cranny.
Let them sit for at least 15 minutes (though overnight in the fridge will reward you with even more flavor).
Step 2: Get That Oven Hot
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil—because less mess = more joy.
Lay your chicken out in a single layer (no stacking!) so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the chicken in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden, slightly crispy on the edges, and fully cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Let them rest for a couple minutes before serving. And that’s it—you’re done!
Cooking Tips to Make It Foolproof
- Short on time? Even 15 minutes of marinating is enough thanks to the yogurt base, which tenderizes the chicken fast.
- Want a bit of char? Broil the thighs for the last 2 minutes—just keep an eye on them!
- Batch it! This recipe doubles easily for meal prep or big family dinners. Leftovers are incredible in wraps, salads, or rice bowls.
And hey, if your kitchen smells like a Greek taverna while it’s cooking, you’re doing it right.
A Quick Personal Note
This one brings back sweet memories of a summer I tried to recreate a Santorini sunset dinner… in my New Jersey backyard. Let’s just say the view didn’t quite match, but the food sure did. My kids dipped everything into the marinade—even the pita bread—and my husband said it reminded him of a trip we took before we had kids. Instant classic.
FAQs About Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but keep in mind they cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust your bake time to about 18–20 minutes and keep an eye on them.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave. Pro tip: use leftovers in a Greek salad the next day. You’ll thank me later.
What should I serve with this?
Try a cucumber tomato salad, roasted veggies, or even rice pilaf. And of course—don’t forget the warm pita and tzatziki!
Your New Favorite Weeknight Chicken
These Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs check all the boxes: bold flavor, simple prep, fast cooking time, and crowd-pleasing results. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a dinner rockstar—even if you’re still wearing yoga pants at 6 p.m. (Been there.)
So go ahead and add this to your weekly rotation. Your family (and your future self) will thank you.
More Chicken Inspiration to Pair with Your Greek Thighs
If you loved these Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs, why stop there? Keep the Mediterranean-inspired vibes (or quick, flavor-packed dinners!) going strong with these related recipes from Chicken Magic. Each one pairs perfectly with your current kitchen cravings:
- Craving something saucy and herb-forward? Try these Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Herb Marinade for a handheld version of those savory Greek flavors.
- For another zesty and oven-friendly dinner, whip up this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs—it’s creamy, cozy, and weeknight approved.
- Need a low-effort, flavor-rich meal? You’ll love the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken—set it and forget it!
- Looking for a lunch-worthy upgrade? These Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowls make meal prep feel like a vacation in every bite.
Keep clicking, keep cooking, and most of all—keep enjoying every bite.
Print
Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs are juicy, zesty, and packed with Mediterranean flavor! Made with a lemony Greek yogurt marinade and simple pantry spices, this easy weeknight dinner is ready in just 25 minutes and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
¼ cup olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
⅓ cup lemon juice
4–5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning (salt-free preferred)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly in the marinade.
Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and arrange chicken in a single layer.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden on top (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with parsley, feta, or extra lemon slices.
Notes
Want a crispier top? Broil for the last 2 minutes—just watch it closely!
This chicken is great for meal prep. Use leftovers in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Don’t skip the yogurt—it tenderizes the chicken quickly and adds creaminess to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg