Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus and Zucchini Recipe
This Greek Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. The chicken is seared to a crispy golden finish and then roasted in the oven with fresh asparagus, zucchini, and lemon slices, creating a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lb asparagus, ends removed
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano until well combined. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Preheat and Prepare to Cook: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large ovenproof skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. While the skillet heats, season both sides of the marinated chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet skin-side down along with any leftover marinade. Sear the chicken for about 10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, developing rich flavor and texture.
- Add Vegetables and Oven-Roast: Flip the chicken thighs over in the skillet, then arrange the asparagus, zucchini slices, and lemon slices around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Notes
- For easier cleanup, you can line the skillet with foil before searing the chicken.
- Using skin-on chicken thighs helps achieve crispy skin and richer flavor.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor but is not required.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- Make sure to use an ovenproof skillet to safely transfer between stovetop and oven.