Mediterranean Lemony Garlicky Chicken—Bright, Bold & Juicy!
Shredhappens (adapted by JojoM)

Juicy oven-baked chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and tomato paste with a creamy yogurt sauce. A rustic Mediterranean dish that’s bright, bold, and bursting with flavor.
Mediterranean Lemony Garlicky Chicken—Bright, Bold & Juicy! 🍋🔥
If you’re craving something zesty, juicy, and full of flavor, this Mediterranean Lemony Garlicky Chicken will absolutely hit the spot. It’s a one-pan oven-baked chicken dish that combines lemon, garlic, tomato paste, and Mediterranean spices into a bold, rustic meal — balanced perfectly with a cooling Greek yogurt sauce. 🇬🇷✨
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests — especially when served with roasted veggies or warm pita on the side.
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and paprika creates a tangy, smoky depth.
- Juicy every time: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
- Healthy comfort food: High in protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free.
- Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
🍋 Step-by-Step Mediterranean Magic
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, tomato paste, garlic, parsley, paprika, chili flakes, and salt. Add most of the mixture to your chicken thighs, reserving a bit for basting later.
Massage everything until evenly coated and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!).
2️⃣ Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line the base of a baking dish with sliced onions and place the marinated chicken on top. Sprinkle a little shaved parmesan if you like a richer flavor.
Bake for 40 minutes, then brush with the reserved marinade and return to the oven for 7–10 more minutes until beautifully golden and slightly crisp.
3️⃣ Whip Up the Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, and a pinch of salt.
Once the chicken is ready, spread the sauce on your serving platter and top it with the roasted chicken.
Spoon the pan juices over the top and garnish with more parsley and parmesan.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Serve this with:
- Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb pairing.
- A side of warm pita or tabbouleh for a heartier meal.
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad with feta for extra Mediterranean flair. 🧀🍅
💡 Tips for Success
✨ Marinate overnight for deep, restaurant-level flavor.
🔥 Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for unbeatable juiciness.
🌿 Don’t skip the yogurt sauce — it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Lemony Garlicky Chicken captures the essence of sunny coastal cooking — bright, bold, and comforting. Each bite delivers juicy, citrusy goodness balanced with creamy yogurt coolness. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking for loved ones, this recipe will make your kitchen smell divine and your table feel like a Mediterranean escape. 🌊🍋
Enjoy every golden, garlicky bite! 😍🍴
Mediterranean Lemony Garlicky Chicken—Bright, Bold & Juicy!
Shredhappens (adapted by JojoM)Juicy oven-baked chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and tomato paste with a creamy yogurt sauce. A rustic Mediterranean dish that’s bright, bold, and bursting with flavor.

Chef's Tips
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier results.
Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.
Tools Used
Grater
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Ingredients
Marinated Chicken
Yogurt Sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- 1
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, tomato paste, garlic, parsley, paprika, chili flakes, and salt.
- 2
Add 3/4 of the mixture to chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Reserve the rest for later.
- 3
Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Bake the Chicken
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
Place sliced onions in an oven-safe dish and layer the marinated chicken on top.
- 3
Optionally sprinkle with shaved parmesan.
- 4
Bake for 40 minutes, then brush with reserved marinade and bake for another 7–10 minutes.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- 1
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, and salt.
- 2
Spread sauce on a serving platter and top with cooked chicken.
- 3
Spoon over pan juices and garnish with fresh parsley and more parmesan if desired.
Comments & Reviews
Amely
11/6/2025
This Mediterranean Lemony Garlicky Chicken looks absolutely delicious! The mix of lemon, garlic, and tomato paste sounds so vibrant. Definitely adding this to my must-try list!
Daisymae
11/6/2025
Your recipe always looks amazing. My family loved it!
Gluten Free With Casey C
11/6/2025
Had me at lemon 😍👌 So flavorful and perfect for a light dinner.
Sharayah Lupton
11/6/2025
Yummm 😋 This turned out juicy and tender. Loved it with extra yogurt sauce!
DanielAsher
11/7/2025
Your recipes are all incredible! This one’s going in my rotation.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with yogurt sauce
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.























