Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a quick, mouthwatering dinner that’s bursting with zesty flavor, these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are your new go-to. Juicy, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. The tangy lemon and savory garlic create an unbeatable combo that guarantees each bite is loaded with flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Incredibly juicy and tender thanks to bone-in chicken thighs.
- Zesty lemon and aromatic garlic pack every bite with bold, fresh flavor.
- Quick and easy to prep—on the table in under 40 minutes.
- Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests.
- Minimal cleanup with one-pan cooking.
Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Heat 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 the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return the chicken thighs, skin-side up, to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes & Cooking Tips for Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes in the oven.
- Let the chicken rest before serving so the juices redistribute, staying extra moist. Check out more resting tips from Serious Eats.
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking; aim for 165°F (74°C) internally (CDC food safety guide).
Variations on Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Herb Swap: Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red chili flakes to the sauce for heat.
- Grilled Version: Grill the marinated thighs over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Equipment Needed for Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Large oven-safe skillet (cast-iron preferred)
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Storage and Shelf Life
Store Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Always pat chicken dry for the crispiest skin (learn how here).
- Let the skillet cool slightly before adding garlic to avoid burning it.
- Use fresh lemon and garlic for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs FAQs
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Yes, but reduce the baking time to 14-16 minutes as they cook faster and may not be as juicy as bone-in, skin-on thighs.
- Can I make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs ahead?
- Absolutely! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and cook when ready, or fully cook and reheat gently before serving.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
- The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Ready for a tangy, garlicky dinner that everyone will love? Try these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs tonight and savor every juicy bite!
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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2In a large bowl, whisk together minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
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3Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
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4Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
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5Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
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6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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