Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

OMG, guys! I just whipped up this lemon garlic chicken thigh recipe, and let me tell you, my kitchen smells like a Mediterranean paradise! The crispy skin and tangy lemon vibes are giving me life right now, and honestly, I could eat this every day. 🍋🍗

These Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are very simple, yet they pack a lot of flavor. I love how their taste comes mostly from the tender meat that’s been marinated in a lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic mixture for a good while.

(The marinade, by the way, is also perfect for chicken skewers grilled on the barbecue.) The baked thighs, which are on the bone and have the skin left on, are seasoned with nothing more than salt, black pepper, and oregano.

Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Rich in protein and flavorful, the skin adds moisture.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats that add richness and depth.
• Garlic: Provides antioxidant properties with pungent, savory flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing acidity and zesty brightness.
• Dried Oregano: Earthy and aromatic, enhances Mediterranean flavors.

Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make this Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

1. Set your oven to bake at 425°F (220°C).

2. In a big bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, minced, juice, lemon, zest, lemon, dried, oregano, salt, black, pepper, and red, pepper, flakes.

3. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and toss them around, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade.

4. On a baking dish or a baking sheet with edges, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, with the skin side facing up.

5. Distribute the extra marinade from the bowl to the chicken thighs.

6. Preheat the oven and set it to 350 degrees. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked completely through, and its skin is golden brown and crispy. Temperature check: the internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees (74 degrees Celsius).

7. If desired, you can make the skin even crispier by broiling for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Take the chicken out of the oven, and allow it to sit for several minutes.

9. Add a finishing touch with fresh parsley, chopped fine.

10. Accompany with lemon wedges at the side. Relish your simple oven-baked lemon garlic chicken thighs!

Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Garlic press or knife for mincing garlic
4. Citrus juicer or reamer
5. Microplane or zester
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
8. Tongs or spatula
9. Meat thermometer
10. Cutting board
11. Chef’s knife

FAQ

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?Absolutely, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but cut the cooking time to keep from overcooking.
• How do I ensure the chicken is crispy?Ensure that the chicken thighs are patted dry, skin side down, before marinating. When baking, arrange the thighs in a singe layer on the baking sheet to ensure even crispness.
• What can I substitute for olive oil?You can use any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, but olive oil adds a nice flavor that complements lemon and garlic.
• Is it necessary to use red pepper flakes?No, you can skip the red pepper flakes if you want a dish that is not so spicy.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?The chicken can be marinated as much as 12 hours ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
• How should I store leftovers?Keep any remaining food in a sealed container in the fridge, and try to eat it within 3 days. You can reheat in oven or microwave.
• What side dishes go well with this chicken?This chicken matches nicely with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or rice pilaf.

Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap out the 1/4 cup olive oil for an equal amount of melted butter or avocado oil, and you’ll have a different flavor profile.
Replace the 4 cloves of minced garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you want a milder taste or are in a pinch.
If you can’t get fresh lemon juice, use 2 tablespoons of bottled juice instead.
Replace 1 teaspoon of dried oregano with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a more complex herb flavor.
If you want a dish with less heat, leave out the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or swap them for a dash of paprika, which will lend a surprisingly smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the olive oil and lemon mixture for at least an hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.