This Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe is a winner! Juicy chicken thighs are cooked with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for a bright flavor that makes your taste buds dance.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up! I often pair it with rice or veggies, and it turns those weeknight dinners into a little feast. Trust me, it smells amazing in the kitchen! 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this dish due to their rich flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs will work too, but they may cook faster, so adjust the time accordingly.
Olive Oil: The oil helps achieve crispy skin and adds flavor. You can substitute with avocado oil or butter; each will impart a slightly different taste but will still be delicious.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a vibrant taste. If you have garlic powder on hand, you could use 1 teaspoon as a substitute, though it won’t be quite as fragrant.
Lemon: Fresh lemons are key to bringing brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used; however, the freshness won’t quite match up.
Dried Oregano: This herb is wonderful for flavor. If you don’t have oregano, try Italian seasoning or thyme for something different but still tasty.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Getting that crispy skin is all about searing the chicken properly. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Start with a hot skillet and bone-side up chicken to render the fat for crispiness.
- Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy before flipping.
- Don’t rush the oven step; baking allows the heat to cook the chicken through while maintaining the crispy skin.
Using these tips will give you a beautifully crispy finish that’s sure to impress!
Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes for cooking. You’ll have delicious garlic lemon chicken thighs ready in around 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that crispy skin we all love! Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano for flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and continue to cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Add Flavor:
After searing, carefully remove any excess fat from the pan. Next, add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Use a spoon to drizzle some of that tangy sauce over the chicken thighs!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You can check that the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Finish and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon the delicious pan juices over the chicken thighs to keep them moist and flavorful. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for that vibrant touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your garlic lemon chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your flavorful and moist garlic lemon chicken thighs!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just keep in mind that they will cook faster, so check for doneness at around 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use avocado oil or melted butter. Both will add great flavor to the dish.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the skillet when you add the garlic and lemon for a one-pan meal. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the type of veggies you include!
