Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ready to unleash some serious flavor vibes? Let’s dive into this zesty lemon garlic chicken adventure that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. 🕺🏽💃🏽 Whether you’re cooking for your squad or just keeping it cozy for one, this recipe is a total game-changer. 🌟

I adore creating recipes that harmonize taste and health. These Lemon Chicken Thighs are precisely that: a delicious yet nutritious dish.

With bone-in, skin-on thighs, this meal is anything but ordinary. It showcases a delightful combination of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and lots of garlic—arguably the most essential (and healthy) ingredient in any Mediterranean kitchen.

I’ve also added rosemary and oregano to the lineup, which really brings out the “Mediterranean” in these Lemon Chicken Thighs.

Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Packed with protein and flavor, they provide a juicy base.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy brightness, rich in vitamin C.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic depth, known for health benefits and bold flavor.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats enhance taste and aid in browning.
• Rosemary: Provides earthy notes, with potential antioxidant properties.

Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make this Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for preheating.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to form a marinade.

3. Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until the pieces are well coated with the marinade.

4. Enclose the chicken in a bowl, and let it take a bath in the marinade for at least half an hour. If you have more time, let the flavor mingle in the cool of the fridge for up to 2 hours.

Cooking Directions:

1. Stir together the marinade ingredients in a large bowl.

5. Following the marinade step, place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. The skin should be facing upward. If there is residual marinade, feel free to drench the the chicken with what’s left.

6. Cook the chicken in the oven that has been set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for approximately 35 to 40 minutes or until the thickest part of the meat registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). The skin should be nice and brown, and it should be relatively crisp.

7. To make the chicken skin even crisper, you can broil the chicken after it’s done roasting. Remove the chicken from the oven, and with the oven still on, switch it to broil mode. Place the chicken on the top rack and broil for another 2-3 minutes, watching it closely to avoid burning.

8. Take the chicken out of the oven and permit it to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.

9. Add lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley to the dish as a final decoration.

10. Lemon chicken thighs can be eaten with side dishes of your choosing, since they pair nicely with a variety of options.

Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish or lined baking sheet
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Zester or grater
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Garlic press or mincer
9. Tongs or mixing spoon
10. Meat thermometer
11. Broiler (part of oven)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but they may cook more quickly, so adjust the cooking time as necessary.
• Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?A: For optimal outcome, let the chicken sit in the marinade for no less than 30 minutes or no more than 24 hours in the chill box.
• Q: Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh rosemary?A: Indeed, if fresh rosemary cannot be obtained, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary may be utilized.
• Q: Is it necessary to use both lemon juice and lemon zest?A: Enhancing the flavor with both is wonderful, but if the zest needs to be omitted, that’s fine. It will alter the flavor slightly, but not enough for anyone besides a connoisseur to notice.
• Q: What is the best cooking method for this recipe?A: To achieve crispy skin and juicy meat when cooking chicken, it is recommended to sear it in a pan and then bake it.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Keep any food you want to save for later in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, and it should be good for up to a week.
• Q: Can I add more spices to the marinade?A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking for a more personalized flavor profile.

Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To replace lemon juice, use 1/4 cup white wine vinegar for a different kind of tang. This substitution provides an opportunity to flavor your dish differently without compromising the acidity level essential in many recipes calling for lemon juice.
For lime zest: Use 1 tablespoon of finely grated lime zest to evoke a different kind of citrusy flavor.
To substitute for fresh rosemary: Use 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
When using dried oregano, you can swap it out for:

1. 1 teaspoon of dried thyme; or
2. 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
For olive oil: Use 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different texture and flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Time For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the lemon, garlic, and herbs to deeply penetrate the meat.

2. Pat Dry Before Baking To help achieve a crispier skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before placing them on the baking sheet. This will help remove any excess marinade that could prevent the skin from getting crispy.

3. Use a Wire Rack Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow hot air to circulate around the chicken, helping to crisp up the skin more evenly.

4. Monitor the Broiler Closely When broiling to crisp the skin, stay by the oven and check frequently. The transition from crispy to burnt can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on the chicken during this step.

5. Resting Time Allow the chicken to rest uncovered after roasting. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist, and also allows the skin to maintain its crispy texture.