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Crispy Greek Lemon Chicken with Zesty Herb Glaze

crispy Greek lemon chicken - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy skin and juicy meat, enhanced with a bright lemon and herb glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 2 large lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • For the herb glaze:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture from the skin.
  3. Season chicken evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Toss chicken lightly with 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a mixing bowl to create a dry coating.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add chicken skin-side down and press gently with tongs for even contact.
  7. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy; avoid moving it too much.
  8. Flip chicken and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  9. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If no oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking sheet before roasting.
  10. While chicken roasts, prepare the herb glaze by whisking together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped herbs, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  11. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  12. Brush chicken generously with the herb glaze.
  13. Serve immediately, spooning extra glaze over the chicken.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry and coating with cornstarch is key for crispy skin. Use medium-high heat to sear without burning. Let chicken rest after roasting to keep juices locked in. Fresh herbs brighten the glaze flavor. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes after roasting if needed. Can substitute arrowroot powder or potato starch for cornstarch to keep gluten-free. If using chicken breasts, reduce roasting time to 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, lemon chicken, Greek chicken, herb glaze, easy dinner, weeknight meal, zesty chicken, healthy chicken recipe