Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel
This easy chicken thigh recipe is a simple sheet pan meal with TONS of flavor. This Greek lemon chicken is a healthy meal and a great recipe for weeknights!
This Baked Greek Chicken Thighs recipe is packed with goodness that’s in season: fresh chicken, charred lemon and fennel, olive oil and fresh herbs! It’s a hearty and healthy dinner recipe made on one sheet pan. Bonus for easy clean up!
Chicken thighs are my favorite cut of meat! The juicy, dark meat and crispy skin is so delicious. For this Greek chicken recipe, I kept it simple. No marinade needed!
By roasting the chicken thighs at a hot temperature, and finishing with a quick broil, we can make sure we get perfectly juicy chicken with crispy skin. Fennel and lemon are the perfect pairings for the Greek flavor of this dish.
You may be surprised that we’re including fennel but rest assured that the licorice flavor of the fennel totally mellows out when it’s roasted. It’s delicious, and I highly recommend you try it!
If you’re wondering what’s in season in California, check out this handy chart showing the seasons of some of the most popular California crops, so you know what to look for in the farmer’s market and grocery store.
California Grown is a program that connects consumers with people who grow and produce their food. It’s a great program that features farmers and their stories. They welcome you into their fields so one can fully understand where the food on your table comes from.
Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Additions
Like with any recipe, feel free to add and adjust to make it yours! Here are a few suggestions:
- Sprinkle the dish with feta cheese before serving
- Add kalamata olives before serving
- Add garlic cloves to the sheet pan when you add the fennel. We love lots of garlic!
- Add cherry tomatoes when you add the lemon slices. They get blistered and juicy, making them a fantastic addition.
- Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs and adjust the cook time down to 30 minutes.
- Substitute fresh parsley for fresh oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with this delicious chicken recipe? Here are some suggestions for side dishes that pair perfectly:
- Cauliflower rice or rice pilaf
- Crusty fresh bread, Air Fryer Garlic Bread or Bisquick Cheddar Biscuits.
- Greek salad
- Mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
- Asparagus
You can also double up on the Greek flavor with these Greek Green Beans, Roasted Cauliflower Salad or traditional Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves appetizer!
I hope that you enjoy this easy recipe made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
If you try it, remember to leave a comment below!
Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1.5- 2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 2 fennel bulbs sliced into 1/2-inch, leafy tops removed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large lemons sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano roughly chopped
For the Greek spice rub:
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 1.5 tablespoons basil
- 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1.5 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dill
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare a large baking tray with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine spices for Greek seasoning.
- Rub the pieces of chicken with the spice rub, coating both sides of the raw meat.
- Add chicken to baking tray. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Add Fennel: Carefully remove the tray from the oven and add sliced fennel in a single layer. Sprinkle the fennel with salt and pepper and drizzle it with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Return to oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes.
- Add Lemon: Remove the tray again and add the lemon slices and fresh herbs.
- Finish roasting for up to 10 minutes, or until the thickest part of the meat registers at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit with an instant read meat thermometer
- Remove from oven and serve warm. Remember to pour the pan juices over the top of the tender chicken. The juice has so much flavor in it, so don't waste it!
This was very good. Used boneless skinless breast and needed to decrease the cooking time. I’m not much of a meat eater, so your suggestion of topping with feta and olives gave it extra flavor. Thanks for a good use of fennel. Even put some of the fronds and thinly sliced stalk into a tossed salad.
Hi Lori! So glad it turned out well for you. I love this one topped with feta (and olives) when I have them!
There is no temp of how much to roast the thighs
Hi Jennifer! The roasting temp is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Thank you!