Greek Garlic Chicken with Lemon and Oregano
User Reviews
4.1
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Brine
3 hrs
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
211 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Greek Garlic Chicken with Lemon and Oregano
Description
This recipe begins by filleting chicken breasts into thinner pieces for more even cooking. The chicken is brined in a spiced solution containing water, salt, sugar, dried oregano, black peppercorns, peeled garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice and peels. The brining time of 3 to 5 hours allows the chicken to absorb the aromatic flavors and retain moisture during cooking.
After brining and rinsing, the chicken is cooked in a hot skillet with olive oil until lightly browned, then finished in the oven at 400°F (200°C) to reach a safe internal temperature. Lemon, garlic, and oregano continue to flavor the chicken during cooking, creating a fragrant crust. The cooking method promotes a tender center with a slightly crisped exterior.
The dish can be garnished with fresh parsley for brightness and additional olive oil for richness. It pairs well with Greek sides like rice or salad, making it a practical main course. Using an instant-read thermometer to confirm 150ºF/65ºC ensures safe doneness without overcooking.
Ingredients
For the brine
- ½ gallon water
- ½ cup salt
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns whole
- 8 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 lemon plural
For the chicken
- 6 chicken breast skinless and boneless
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
To finish
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- parsley for garnish, fresh
Instructions
To fillet the chicken
- Lay your first chicken breast flat on a chopping board.
- Use a large sharp knife to cut sideways through the breast.
- Continue to cut through the chicken breast, keeping the knife flat and parallel to the chopping board, until you have two chicken fillets.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
To brine the chicken
- Pour about half of the water into a saucepan and add the salt, sugar, dried oregano, peppercorns and peeled garlic. Heat over a medium heat until the salt and sugar have dissolved.
- Remove from the heat, squeeze the juice from the lemons into the brine, then add in the used skins.
- Add the remaining water to the brine and allow the mixture to fully cool.
- Once the mixture is cold, add the filleted chicken breasts and brine them for 3-5 hours.
To cook the chicken
- Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF/200ºC
- Heat the 2 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add in 6 of the chicken breast fillets and cook over a high heat for 1-2 minutes until golden. Turn and repeat on the other side. Remove them from the pan and transfer to a large baking dish.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet and cook the remaining 6 fillets in the same way. Transfer them to the baking dish.
- Thinly slice the garlic and scatter it around the chicken.
- Cut the lemon into small chunks and arrange it around the chicken.
- Sprinkle over the dried oregano and then pour over the chicken broth.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. (see note 1)
- Remove the chicken and lemon pieces to a serving platter and mix the extra virgin olive oil with any juices that are left in the bottom of the pan.
- Serve drizzled the extra virgin olive oil dressing and chopped fresh parsley.
- Can be served hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- Brining the chicken for several hours helps it stay juicy and develop deeper flavor.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness; cooked chicken should reach 150ºF/65ºC.
- Filleting the chicken breasts into thinner pieces promotes even cooking and reduces overall cook time.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 211 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 211kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 55IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 16.5mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.1
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