If you have been searching for a truly delicious and comforting meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, lemon, oregano, and creamy Greek yogurt. The marinade works its magic to infuse the chicken with a bright, tangy essence that is simply irresistible, while the roasting process lends a perfect golden crispness on the outside. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe delivers hearty satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, creating a delicate balance of flavors, textures, and colors that elevate this dish beyond the ordinary.
- Chicken drumsticks and thighs (1.25 kg / 2.5 lb): Bone-in and skin-on pieces provide the juiciest and most flavorful meat, perfect for absorbing the marinade.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Fresh garlic brings a pungent, aromatic depth that awakens the palate.
- White wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the marinade without overpowering it; you can swap with red wine or apple cider vinegar if preferred.
- Lemon juice (1/2 cup / 125 ml): The heart of the marinade, imparting fresh citrusy notes and tenderizing the chicken perfectly.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken beautifully, also contributing to the roasting crispiness.
- Greek yogurt (3/4 cup): Creamy and slightly tangy, this ingredient tenderizes and adds luscious texture to the chicken.
- Dried oregano (1 1/2 tbsp): An iconic herb in Greek cooking, lending an earthy and slightly peppery flavor.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the tartness of lemon and yogurt.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and complexity.
- Plain Greek yogurt or Tzatziki: Perfect for serving alongside to add a cooling, creamy contrast.
- Fresh oregano leaves (optional): For garnish and a fresh herbal punch.
How to Make Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This marinade is where the magic begins, melding bright citrus, fragrant herbs, and creamy yogurt to create that signature Greek flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the drumsticks and thighs to the bowl, making sure each piece is generously coated with the marinade. For the best flavor and tenderness, cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight for a full 24 hours. Patience pays off here, as the chicken soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
When you are ready to cook, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This moderate temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly while developing a nicely browned exterior.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Tray
Line a baking tray with foil—this helps with easy cleanup and prevents any marinade from making a mess. If you have a roasting rack, place it on top of the foil-lined tray to allow air circulation around the chicken, resulting in even cooking and crispier skin.
Step 5: Roast the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin side up on the rack, reserving any leftover marinade. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial roast helps set the skin and cooks the meat through.
Step 6: Brush with Marinade
Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the tops with the reserved marinade carefully—do not flip the pieces over. This additional coating adds more flavor and moisture before the final roasting stage.
Step 7: Final Roast for Crispiness
Return the chicken to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. For an extra shiny and crisp finish, give the chicken a light spray of olive oil right before it’s done cooking. You’ll love the inviting aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage!
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite unbelievably juicy and tender. Serve the chicken plain or with a side of tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, cooling balance.
How to Serve Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh oregano leaves right before serving not only enhances the aroma but also provides a lovely pop of green color. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or some lemon wedges on the side can brighten up your presentation and add an extra burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Mediterranean accompaniments like roasted potatoes, Greek salad with ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, or even a bed of fluffy couscous. For something lighter, try serving it alongside steamed green beans or a simple tabbouleh salad to add vibrant texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate and try serving the chicken on a large wooden board alongside bowls of tzatziki, olives, feta cubes, and warm pita bread. This style encourages a casual, communal meal perfect for gatherings. Or create individual plates with a portion of chicken, a spoonful of yogurt, a lemon wedge, and a colorful salad to impress your guests with your presentation flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken from this Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep perfectly for 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or a tasty addition to salads and wraps.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces to extend their shelf life. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. For best quality, consume within 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and warm the chicken on a baking sheet covered loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until piping hot through to maintain that wonderful crispy skin and juicy interior.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken pieces for this recipe?
While boneless chicken can work, bone-in, skin-on drumsticks and thighs retain more juiciness and flavor during cooking. The bones help the meat stay tender and the skin crisps beautifully in the oven.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marinating is ideal for maximum flavor, but if you’re short on time, at least 3 hours will still give your chicken a lovely taste and tender texture.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can substitute with plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt’s thicker consistency and tangier taste make it the best choice to tenderize and enrich the marinade.
Is it necessary to brush the chicken with reserved marinade before the second bake?
Yes, this step intensifies the flavor and helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken skin, enhancing both taste and appearance.
Can this recipe be cooked on a grill instead of an oven?
Absolutely! Grilling will impart a smoky flavor, but keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean. It’s simple to prepare, uses straightforward ingredients, and rewards you with tender, flavorful chicken and a deliciously crispy finish. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try for your next dinner—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal, bringing a little sunshine and joy to your table!
Print
Greek Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes prep + 24 hours marinating + 50 minutes cooking
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken recipe features juicy chicken drumsticks and thighs marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and Greek yogurt, infused with aromatic oregano. The chicken is baked until golden and slightly crispy, delivering a flavorful and tender Mediterranean dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.25 kg (2.5 lb) chicken drumsticks and thighs, bone-in, skin-on
Marinade
- 6 garlic cloves, minced (~2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (Farmers Union recommended)
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
To Serve (Optional)
- Plain Greek yogurt or Tzatziki
- Fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, forming a creamy marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the drumsticks and thighs to the marinade, coating each piece well to ensure maximum flavor absorption. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours, or at minimum 3 hours for adequate marination.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to allow it to fully preheat while preparing the chicken for baking.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a tray with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Optional: place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined tray to allow air circulation around the chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Initial Bake: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin side up on the rack or directly on the foil-lined tray. Reserve the leftover marinade for brushing later. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Brush with Marinade: Carefully remove the tray from the oven and brush the chicken pieces with the reserved marinade without flipping them over, enhancing flavor and moisture on top.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and slightly crispy. For an extra crispy and shiny finish, lightly spray olive oil on the chicken just before the end of cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Serve the chicken plain for a delicious meal or accompany it with plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki and garnish with fresh oregano leaves if desired.
Notes
- Marinating overnight (24 hours) delivers the best flavor and tenderness, but a minimum of 3 hours can work if short on time.
- Using a wire rack when baking allows excess fat to drip away and promotes even cooking and crispiness.
- If fresh oregano is unavailable, dried oregano works well for the marinade.
- For crispier skin, spraying or brushing with olive oil before the last 5 minutes of baking helps achieve that golden shine.
- This dish pairs beautifully with tzatziki, a fresh cucumber-yogurt sauce, or simply plain Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
