Inspired by the flavors of Greece, this lemony chicken recipe is easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
We all know there are a million different ways to cook chicken. Virtually every culture in the world has its own unique style for preparing chicken. That includes Greek chicken, which, in my opinion, is vastly underrated. It’s not complicated to make and doesn’t include a lot of ingredients that you’ll have trouble finding in your kitchen. And Greek chicken becomes even easier to make—not to mention healthier—when I use my air fryer.
Cooking it in an air fryer helps give the chicken a crisp outside while keeping it juicy on the inside. Meanwhile, the marinade for the Greek chicken ensures that it’s bursting with flavors. Rather than being spicy or overpowering like some marinades, this one comes out tasting light and refreshing. Most of the flavor comes from the garlic and oregano, but you also get the zest and juice of the lemon that commands the attention of your taste buds.
I highly suggest that you serve this dish with some feta cheese because it will make the Greek chicken feel even more authentic, on top of adding great texture and flavor to the dish. While you may not be able to jet off to the Greek Isles, this dish can definitely bring the same flavors you’d find there right to your plate.
How I marinate my chicken for maximum flavor
The key to delicious Greek chicken is the marinade. The time you allow the chicken to marinate is also an important factor. While the minimum duration is 20 minutes, I highly suggest letting the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours to ensure it soaks up all of the delicious flavor before you cook it. I also make minor changes to the marinade when I want to lean more into the Greek influences of this dish. Herbs like thyme and dill tend to blend well with Greek chicken. And depending on your taste, a dash of red wine vinegar can also add some acidity to the marinade.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow any leftover Greek chicken to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen Greek chicken overnight in the fridge. I reheat leftovers either in the air fryer or a 350°F oven.
Serving suggestions
There is no shortage of ways to serve Greek chicken. It can be as simple as mixing it with chopped tomatoes and red onion. Of course, you can also make a full serving of Oven-Roasted Vegetables to pair with it. I also suggest serving the chicken with a salad—some of my favorite options are this Greek Cucumber Salad or this Greek Chickpea Salad. Some other tasty sides include Greek Potatoes and Greek Lemon Rice. Finally, you can’t have Greek chicken without some Tzatziki and Flatbread on the side.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Crumbled feta cheese optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken. Place the chicken in a bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until each piece is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to fully absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve the chicken immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and optional crumbled feta cheese. Enjoy with your favorite side.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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