Oven-Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with Thyme and Tomato-Wine Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs baked in a savory tomato and red wine sauce, infused with thyme and served over fluffy rice. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp; flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze and release browned bits. Stir in 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, rinse 1 1/2 cups white rice under cold water until clear. Combine the rice with 3 cups water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
  7. Step 7: Serve the baked chicken thighs over the white rice, spooning the tomato-wine sauce on top, and garnish with Greek salad if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with Thyme and Tomato-Wine Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with Thyme and Tomato-Wine Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with Thyme and Tomato-Wine Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oven-Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with Thyme and Tomato-Wine Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oven-Baked Greek Lemon Chicken with Thyme and Tomato-Wine Sauce?

Greek chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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