Easy Greek Chicken Thighs
If you love Greek flavors, these Greek Chicken Thighs are a must-try! Marinated with lemon, oregano, and garlic, then seared in a cast iron skillet, they turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This easy skillet chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and delicious serving ideas!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
✔ Easy One-Skillet Meal – Everything cooks in the same cast iron skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
✔ Crispy Skin, Juicy Chicken – Searing locks in moisture while creating a golden, flavorful crust.
✔ Bright & Bold Greek Flavors – Lemon, oregano, and garlic make every bite delicious.
✔ Perfect for Weeknights or Entertaining – Simple enough for a quick dinner, but elegant enough for guests.
Creating these Greek Chicken Thighs
This post was originally published February 25, 2011. I has been updated with additional recipe tips, FAQs, and new photos.
I love the deep, roasted flavor of a whole chicken, but sometimes, I need a faster, easier option. That’s where these Greek chicken thighs come in! They deliver that same herb-infused, roasted chicken taste—but in a fraction of the time, thanks to a one-skillet cooking method.
This recipe was inspired by my Citrus and Rosemary Roast Chicken, which is a longtime favorite in my kitchen. I wanted to create a version that keeps all the bright, herby flavors but cooks in less time. By using a cast iron skillet, the chicken develops an ultra-crispy skin while staying juicy inside.
If you prefer, you can also make this recipe with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (see FAQs for adjustments), but I love chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness.
★★★★★
Reader Review
“The chicken was absolutely awesome!! I ate 4 thighs in one sitting. Hat’s off, it was perfect. Thank you. I may try this in a chicken wing form because I was eating the thigh bone like a wing it was so good.”
Tools for Perfect Greek Chicken Thighs
This recipe starts by searing the chicken on the stovetop to develop crispy skin, then finishes roasting in the oven for juicy, flavorful results. Using the right tools ensures everything turns out perfectly!
- Citrus Zester & Juicer – Fresh lemon zest and juice bring brightness—don’t skip these!
- Food Processor or Mini Chopper – Quickly blends the lemon-oregano marinade into a flavorful paste for maximum infusion.
- Tongs & Wooden Spoon – Tongs for flipping the chicken, and a wooden spoon for stirring the white wine and lemon mixture.
- Cast Iron Skillet (Oven-Safe) – This chicken thigh skillet recipe starts with the perfect sear in a cast iron skillet. It creates crispy skin on the stove and locks in moisture while roasting.
- Meat Thermometer – Ensures perfectly cooked chicken. Aim for 175-190°F for ultra-tender thighs.
Katie’s Tip: If you’re new to using a cast iron skillet, make sure it’s properly seasoned for the best results. Check out this step-by-step guide to seasoning cast iron to get the most out of your skillet.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Thighs
These Greek chicken thighs are packed with bold Mediterranean flavors thanks to a simple, herb-infused marinade and oven-roasted ingredients.
Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are in the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of this post! Be sure to check your pantry and fridge before you start cooking.
- Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for the crispiest skin and the juiciest meat.
- Fresh Oregano & Garlic – Classic Greek seasonings that add depth and aroma.
- Lemon Zest & Juice – Brightens the dish and infuses the chicken with citrusy goodness.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – The base of the marinade for flavor and moisture.
- Paprika, Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – A simple but effective seasoning blend.
- Dry White Wine – Adds depth to the sauce and balances the lemony marinade.
- Small Red Potatoes & Kalamata Olives – Roasted alongside the chicken for a hearty, flavorful one-skillet meal.
- Feta Cheese – Sprinkled on top for a tangy, creamy finish!
Katie’s Tip: If you’re interested in learning more about how wine enhances flavors in cooking, check out this ultimate guide to cooking with wine for tips on choosing the right wines and how to incorporate them into your dishes.
How to Make Greek Chicken Thighs
This stovetop-to-oven method creates crispy skin and juicy, flavorful chicken in just a few simple steps. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Make the Marinade: Pulse oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, lemon zest, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor until a paste forms.
- Marinate the Chicken: Loosen the skin and spread some marinade underneath. Coat the thighs fully, cover, and refrigerate for 2-6 hours.
- Sear the Chicken: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet for 5 minutes to get a golden, crispy skin. Flip the chicken.
- Add Ingredients: Scatter potatoes, onions, and olives around the chicken. Stir white wine into the remaining marinade and pour it over everything. Top with lemon slices.
- Roast & Serve: Transfer the skillet to a 450°F oven, then immediately lower the heat to 425°F. Roast uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 175-190°F. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken and garnish with feta and fresh herbs. Serve hot.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs
Follow these simple tips to ensure your Greek chicken thighs turn out crispy, juicy, and full of flavor.
- If you’re using frozen chicken – Make sure to defrost it safely before starting. Check out this post on how to defrost meat for quick and safe thawing methods.
- Looking to get the most juice out of your lemons? Be sure to check out this post on how to squeeze the most juice from limes to make your prep even easier and more efficient.
- Tip for Potatoes – Use small, bite-sized potatoes or cut larger potatoes into small pieces to ensure even cooking with the chicken.
- Pat the Chicken Dry – Removing excess moisture helps create golden, crispy skin when searing.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade – Letting the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours (or up to 6 hours) infuses it with maximum flavor.
- Sear Before Roasting – This locks in juices and gives the chicken an irresistible crisp exterior.
- Use a Meat Thermometer – Thighs are safe at 165°F, but for extra tenderness, cook them to 175-190°F.
- Let It Rest – Resting for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Baked Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQ
Have questions about making these Greek chicken thighs? Here are some common ones to help you get the best results. If you don’t see your question here, leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help!
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs work, but they cook faster and won’t be as juicy as bone-in, skin-on thighs. Reduce the roasting time by 5-10 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F.
Can I substitute black olives for Kalamata olives?
I don’t recommend it—black olives are milder and less briny, which would change the flavor. Look for jarred Kalamata olives near the pickles, or check the fresh olive bar at your grocery store.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, with modifications. Here’s what I recommend:
- Cooked chicken: Freeze thighs without potatoes or olives, as they won’t reheat well.
- Marinated chicken (before cooking): Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
What to Serve with this Dish
A great meal is all about balance! These Greek chicken thighs pair well with fresh, flavorful sides that complement their bright, herby flavors.
Appetizers
Start your meal with a light and flavorful appetizer:
- Tzatziki Sauce with Grilled Pita Bread – Tzatziki Sauce pairs beautifully with Greek lemon chicken thighs, adding a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Marinated Feta – A simple but impressive starter with bold flavors.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a fresh, vibrant veggie side:
- Grilled Baby Artichokes – Their smoky, slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with lemony chicken.
- Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad – A fresh mix of crisp veggies, herbs, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
- Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower – Crispy, caramelized edges add a nice contrast to the chicken.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftovers
Let the chicken thighs cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container with any reserved pan juices to keep them moist.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze the chicken without the potatoes.
How to Reheat Chicken Thighs
For the best texture, reheat the chicken slowly to prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in short 60-second bursts at partial power, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add pan juices or a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
- Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat, adding pan drippings or a little olive oil.
Make these Greek Chicken Thighs!
Next time you need a simple yet flavorful chicken dinner, try these Greek Chicken Thighs! The lemony, herb-infused marinade and crispy, golden skin make this an easy meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below to let others know what you thought!
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag @goodlifeeats using #goodlifeeatsrecipes—I’d love to see how your Greek Chicken Thighs turned out!
More Chicken Recipes to Try
Looking for more easy and flavorful chicken dinners? Try one of these next:
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken – Juicy chicken tenderloins baked in a sweet and savory honey mustard sauce with fresh rosemary.
- Greek Chicken Pitas – Marinated Greek chicken stuffed into warm pita bread with homemade tzatziki and your favorite toppings.
- Saucy Herbs de Provence Chicken – A one-skillet chicken dinner finished in a white wine tomato sauce.
- Creamy Almond Chicken – Golden-seared chicken in a nutty, citrus-infused almond sauce—creamy, comforting, and easy to make.
Need even more chicken inspiration? Check out my full Chicken Recipe Index for a variety of options to keep your weeknight meals exciting.”
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Greek Chicken Thighs
Greek Chicken Thighs are marinated in a zesty lemon and oregano mixture, seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet, and finished in the oven for the ideal crispy skin and juicy meat. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor and simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken Thighs
- 1/3 cup Fresh Oregano Leaves, packed
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt, or to preference
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Lemon, zested
- 4 cloves Fresh Garlic
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2/3 cup Dry White Wine
- 8 Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs
- 3/4 pound Mini Red Potatoes (cut smaller if larger so they cook through)
- 1 large Red Onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted
- 1 Lemon, sliced
Garnishes
- Fresh Oregano Sprigs or Chopped Parsley, for garnish
- 1/2 cup Feta Crumbles
Instructions
Make the Marinade
- Pulse oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, lemon zest, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor until a paste forms.
Marinate the Chicken
- Gently lift the skin on the chicken thighs and spread the Greek chicken thigh marinade underneath for extra flavor.
- Coat the chicken fully, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
Sear the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve the leftover marinade.
- Pat the skin dry with paper towels (this helps it crisp up). Let the chicken rest at room temperature while preheating the oven to 450°F.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down, cover, and sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken.
Assemble & Roast
- Scatter small, bite-sized potatoes (or cut larger potatoes into small pieces) around the chicken along with the onions, and olives.
- Stir white wine into the reserved lemon oregano marinade and pour it over the chicken and vegetables.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 425°F.
- Roast uncovered for 25-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches 175-190°F and the skin is crispy.
Serve & Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for perfectly juicy meat.
- Spoon the pan juices over the chicken and garnish with feta crumbles and fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
Substitutions:
- Use any briny olives (like Castelvetrano or Niçoise) if you can't find or don't have Kalamata.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs. Chicken breasts cook faster, roast them to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption and be sure not to overcook to avoid dryness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used in place of bone-in thighs. These will cook more quickly, so be sure to adjust the cooking time and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a stovetop-to-oven-safe skillet to ensure the dish can transition from the stovetop to the oven.
Storage & Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For reheating, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over low heat.
- Freeze cooked chicken (without potatoes or olives) for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead:
- Marinate the chicken for up to 6 hours and prep the veggies in advance.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 440Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 741mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 34g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Molly says
I’ve made this numerous times and I keep forgetting the nuances, so I’m writing it down.
• Definitely cook the potatoes for a bit before putting the rest of the ingredients in (I do about 20 minutes).
• Do not put olive oil in pan before searing the chicken! It’s already covered in olive oil and you are trying to crisp up the skin — more olive oil just makes it soggy.
• 20 – 25 minutes in the oven for chicken is a little low; I’ve need to do about 40 – 50 minutes.
• I halve the olives lengthwise to spread them more evenly throughout the dish.
Leslie says
I love it too but there seem to be some errors in the recipe. I figured out after the first time I made it that the garlic must go in the paste since it doesn’t come up anywhere else. Mine is never a “paste”. Is the lemon juice amount too high? Also, at the end you reference the reserved lemon mixture. Am I to keep some back from the marinade?
Katie Kick says
Hi Leslie, thank you for brining this to my attention and apologies for the type! Yes, you should add the garlic in with the other ingredients in the food processor. I’ll edit the recipe card now to correct the mistake. As for the reserved lemon mixture, in the first step of the second section it says “Remove chicken from the bowl, reserving the extra lemon mixture,” so you’ll take the chicken out of the bowl and any leftover lemon mixture that remains behind you need to save. Then, in the last step of that section it says “Combine the reserved lemon mixture and the white wine. Pour over the contents of the skillet,” so add the wine to the bowl that contains the leftover lemon mixture and combine. Then, pour that over the chicken in the skillet before baking.
Does this clarify and answer your question? If it doesn’t, happy to answer any additional questions you have!
Toekneemac says
But don’t let me forget, the chicken was absolutley awsome!! I ate 4 thighs in one sitting. Hat’s off, it was perfect. Thank you. I may try this in a chicken wing form because I was eating the thigh bone like a wing it was so good.
Barbara says
I have a cast iron pan infact three of them but I dont use them becaues they stick so bad, what am I doing wrong?.
Jackie says
Hey, I made this for dinner in my dutch oven last night and it was great. I did use chicken thighs but I didn’t use fresh oregano. I used the dried kind and it was still delish. I will make this again for dinner.
Lee says
Katie,
What’s different with kosher salt vs. sea salt or regular table salt?
Lee
TheGourmetCoffeeGuy says
Great recipe, ingredients and looks delicious.