Go Back
–+ servings
Lemon Chicken, served with grilled lemons
Print Recipe
4.86 from 61 votes

Easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe

This lemon chicken recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that will not disappoint. If you have the time, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for a few hours. But if not, letting it marinate at room temperature for just a few minutes will still impart flavor. See suggestions in notes for what to serve along!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 6 people
Author: The Mediterranean Dish

Ingredients

For Spice Mixture

For Marinade

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, I used Private Reserve Greek EVOO
  • 2 to 3 tsp minced garlic

For Chicken

  • 1 1/2 lb (6 to 7 pieces) boneless skinless chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast (see notes)
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 lemons halved
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add the spices and mix to make the spice mixture.
  • In another bowl or large measuring cup, combine the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic to make the marinade.
  • Pat the chicken dry and season with kosher salt and pepper and sprinkle the spice mixture on both sides.
  • Place the chicken in a bowl and add the onions. Pour in the marinade and work the chicken a bit to make sure all the pieces are well covered with the marinade.
  • Leave the chicken to marinate at room temperature while you heat up the grill or griddle. OR, if you have the time, cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours (or up to 8 hours).
  • When ready, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat (or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat). Do not add oil yet to the pan. Add the lemon halves, flesh side down, and grill briefly. Remove the grilled lemons and set aside for now.
  • Now, brush the pan with a little extra virgin olive oil. Using a pair of tongs, add the chicken pieces in one layer (discard any remaining marinade). Cook for 6 minutes or so on each side or until chicken is well cooked through (you can adjust heat to medium, if needed. If using an outdoor grill, carefully oil the grates and cook the chicken over medium-high heat for the same amount of time. (Chicken's internal temperature should register 165 degrees F).
  • Transfer the grilled lemon chicken to a serving platter. Add the grilled lemons (which you can squeeze for a little more juice), and garnish with parsley. See notes for serving ideas.

Video

Notes

  • To use chicken breast instead: You'll need up to 3 boneless and skinless chicken breast halves. Be sure to cut them horizontally through the middle to create thinner cutlets. I also like to use a kitchen mallet to help tenderize the chicken breasts.
  • What to Serve Along? This lemon chicken is great with  Greek Green Beans, Greek potatoes, or Lebanese rice and a large Greek salad or Balela Salad. A little roasted garlic hummus or tzatziki sauce are the perfect addition.
  • Leftovers? Leftover lemon chicken can be refrigerated in a tight-lid container for 3 to 4 days.
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oil and spices used in this recipe. 

Nutrition

Calories: 239.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.1g | Protein: 22.5g | Saturated Fat: 2.6g | Cholesterol: 107.7mg | Sodium: 103.1mg | Potassium: 350.4mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Vitamin A: 27.2IU | Vitamin C: 24.3mg | Calcium: 32.7mg | Iron: 1.7mg

QR code

Scan this QR code with your phone's camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.

qr code