Introduction + Things to Know 🍋
The first time I tried Chicken Riganati, I was visiting a friend’s family in Thessaloniki. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the air was filled with the comforting scent of garlic and lemon wafting from the kitchen. Their yiayia (grandmother) pulled a golden roasted chicken from the oven, its skin perfectly crisp and shimmering with olive oil. “Riganati,” she whispered, pointing proudly. One bite in, and I was hooked.
If you’re new to this dish, here’s what you should know: Chicken Riganati (or Kota Riganati) is a Greek classic — juicy chicken seasoned with lemon, garlic, and lots of oregano 🌿. Roasted to perfection, it’s a rustic, healthy, and easy dinner that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. If you enjoy grilled-style chicken like this Pulehu Chicken, Riganati will be a perfect oven-roasted alternative. 🧄🍋🇬🇷
Table of Contents
What Is Chicken Riganati? 🍗
Chicken Riganati is a traditional Greek dish that gets its name from one key herb: oregano (“rigani” in Greek). It’s all about roasted chicken, deeply marinated in a simple but powerful mix of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and of course, oregano. The chicken is usually bone-in and oven-baked, giving it crispy skin and juicy meat that practically falls off the bone.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and deceptively simple — the kind of dish you’ll make again and again.
The Origin of the Dish 🇬🇷
In Greek, “Riganati” means “seasoned with oregano,” and that’s exactly what defines this dish. It’s a staple in many Greek households, often passed down from grandmothers to their grandchildren. The recipe comes from rural Greek kitchens where ingredients are few but flavor runs deep.
You’ll find variations of it across different regions — some with potatoes, others with wine or even tomatoes. But the soul of the dish is always the same: oregano, lemon, garlic, and love.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Here’s what you’ll need to bring authentic Chicken Riganati to life:
⭐ Essential Ingredients:
- Bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken – skin-on for flavor
- Lemon juice – freshly squeezed for brightness
- Garlic cloves – crushed or finely chopped
- Dried Greek oregano – the star of the show 🌿
- Extra virgin olive oil – use Greek if possible for authenticity
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
🍽️ Optional Additions:
- Yukon gold potatoes – roast them with the chicken
- Red onion slices – for sweetness
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
- Paprika or chili flakes – for a touch of heat
Ingredient Tips & Swaps 🔁
- 💡 Use Greek oregano — it’s more aromatic and slightly spicier than regular oregano.
- 🍗 Boneless chicken works too, but reduce the cooking time.
- 🧈 Add butter to the marinade for a richer flavor.
- 🌶️ Like it spicy? Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- 🍷 Want a depth boost? A splash of dry white wine in the roasting pan works wonders.
How to Make Chicken Riganati 👨🍳
Print
Chicken Riganati
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Riganati is a traditional Greek roasted chicken dish featuring bold, Mediterranean flavors of oregano, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It’s simple yet deeply flavorful, cooked until golden and crispy, then served with roasted potatoes or a fresh salad. This is a classic taverna-style meal — hearty, rustic, and always satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or 1 whole chicken
- Juice of 2 large lemons 🍋
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 2 tsp dried Greek oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 lb Yukon potatoes (quartered), 1 red onion (sliced)
Instructions
- Marinate: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken in a baking dish. Add potatoes and onions around it if using.
- Bake: Roast uncovered for 40–50 minutes, basting halfway through with pan juices.
- Rest & Serve: Let chicken rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and a final squeeze of lemon.
Notes
- Use Greek oregano for authenticity 🌿
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor
- If using boneless chicken, reduce bake time to ~30 minutes
- Roast potatoes in the same pan for a one-dish meal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Here’s how to bring this Greek favorite into your kitchen:
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl, combine:- Juice of 2 lemons 🍋
- 3–4 cloves of minced garlic 🧄
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried Greek oregano 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat the oven:
Set it to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish or sheet pan. - Add optional extras:
Place sliced potatoes or red onions under the chicken for a one-pan meal. Drizzle any remaining marinade over everything. - Roast uncovered:
Bake for 40–50 minutes, basting the chicken halfway with pan juices. The skin should be golden and crispy. - Rest & Serve:
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy hot!
Delicious Variations You Can Try 🔄
Give your Chicken Riganati a personal twist:
- 🫒 Add Kalamata olives and crumbled feta for a Greek salad-inspired spin.
- 🍷 Pour a splash of white wine or chicken broth into the pan for a juicy, saucy base.
- 🔥 Grill it outdoors for a smoky flavor — perfect for summer gatherings.
- 🧅 Add cherry tomatoes or onion wedges to caramelize with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Pair your Chicken Riganati with these classic Greek sides:
- 🥔 Lemon-roasted potatoes (bake them with the chicken!)
- 🥗 Greek village salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta
- 🍚 Herbed rice pilaf or orzo pasta
- 🥖 Warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for dipping
- 🍷 Dry white wine like Assyrtiko or a crisp rosé
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What does “Riganati” mean?
It comes from the Greek word “rigani” (oregano) and means “flavored with oregano.”
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Just reduce the cook time by about 10–15 minutes and ensure it doesn’t dry out.
How long should I marinate it?
Minimum 30 minutes, ideally 4+ hours. Overnight gives the best flavor.
Is this the same as Greek lemon chicken?
They’re closely related! Riganati emphasizes oregano and rustic roasting, while other Greek lemon chicken recipes may include different herbs or butter sauces.
Can I make it low-sodium?
Yes — reduce added salt and use low-sodium chicken stock if adding liquid. Fresh lemon and oregano will still bring tons of flavor.
✅ Want to Learn More?
- Discover the health benefits of oregano 🌿
- Master the technique of roasting chicken like a pro 🔥
- Compare this to the classic Greek lemon chicken recipe 🍋
🎉 Final Thought: Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a comforting Sunday dinner, Chicken Riganati offers everything you want: flavor, tradition, and ease. It’s rustic Greek cooking at its best — just like yiayia used to make. 🇬🇷