Oregano Lemon Chicken
Juicy oven-roasted chicken thighs infused with fragrant oregano, lemon, and Worcestershire sauce, offering bright, savory flavors perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side down, in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine crumbled oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk in olive oil, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to make the marinade.
- Drizzle half of the marinade over the chicken and bake for 20 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the chicken.
- Turn chicken over and brush with the remaining marinade.
- Continue baking until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. If you don't have dried oregano, fresh oregano can be used, but you'll need about three times the amount. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Oregano Lemon Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Roasted Vegetable Pasta or English Cucumber Soup. You can also serve it with a grain like quinoa or couscous to soak up the delicious marinade.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Oregano Lemon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, but this may affect the skin's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oregano Lemon Chicken contains roughly 606 calories, with 19g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (304% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1590mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but be aware that they may cook faster. Adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a little bit of honey as a substitute. This will give a similar depth of flavor to the marinade.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply bake it according to the instructions. This can enhance the flavors even more.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).