Go Back
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 lemons (zest and juice) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For this dish, chicken thighs are perfect. Their rich flavor and juicy texture make them a great choice. Bone-in, skin-on thighs give you crispy skin and tender meat. Next, garlic and lemons add a bright, zesty taste. Minced garlic enhances the flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a refreshing twist to the dish. Olive oil is key for keeping the chicken moist. It helps the seasonings stick to the meat while adding depth. A mix of thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper rounds out the flavor profile. - Fresh herbs - Side dishes for serving You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for more flavor. They give a lovely aroma and pair well with lemon. Consider side dishes like roasted veggies, rice, or a crisp salad. They complement the chicken perfectly and make a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs section. 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispy skin. 2. Prepare your ingredients. You will need 4 chicken thighs, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 lemons for zest and juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 3. Make the marinade. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture adds a bright flavor to the chicken. 1. Marinate the chicken thighs. Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. 2. Arrange and roast in the oven. Once marinated, place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the baking dish. Roast them in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The skin should be crispy, and a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. 3. Finish with broiling for crispiness. If you want extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. This step adds a nice crunch that makes the dish even better. You can check out the Full Recipe for more details on this vibrant dish! To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken thighs well. Start by mixing garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. This blend gives the chicken a bright taste. Make sure to coat each piece evenly. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This extra time helps the flavors soak in deeper. For even cooking, place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the baking dish. This way, the skin crisps up nicely. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. When it reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken is ready. If you want extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for a few minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. To serve your chicken attractively, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color. Drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor. Arrange the thighs neatly on a plate. You can pair them with sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad. This makes your meal look even better and more inviting. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the taste of lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs. Adding different herbs can bring new life to this dish. Try fresh rosemary or oregano for a twist. These herbs pair well with the garlic and lemon, making each bite a delight. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. It adds a warm kick without overpowering the dish. Using other citrus fruits can also change the flavor profile. Lime or orange juice can replace lemon juice. Each fruit adds a unique taste. Lime gives a zesty kick, while orange adds sweetness. Experiment with these fruits to find your favorite flavor. You don’t have to roast these chicken thighs in the oven. Grilling is a great option too. It gives the chicken a smoky flavor. Just marinate the thighs as usual, then grill them on medium heat. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach 165°F (74°C). If you prefer pan-searing, heat some oil in a skillet. Sear the thighs skin-side down to get a crispy skin. Then, flip them and cover the pan. Cook until done. This method gives a nice crust and keeps the chicken juicy. Using a slow cooker is another great choice. Simply place the marinated thighs in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and full of flavor. You can find the full recipe for lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs to guide you through these variations. To store your leftover lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last for up to three months. Remember to label the bags with the date, so you know when you froze them. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat chicken thighs is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the thighs in a baking dish and cover with foil. This will keep them moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the thighs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until warm. Check often to avoid drying them out. To keep the flavor, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of olive oil before reheating. This will help bring back the juicy taste, making your meal just as delightful as when it was first cooked. How long to marinate chicken thighs? I suggest marinating chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, leave them in the marinade for 2 hours in the fridge. This gives the flavors time to soak in. Can I use boneless thighs instead? Yes, you can use boneless thighs. They will cook faster, so keep an eye on them. Adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. What temperature to cook chicken thighs? Cook chicken thighs at 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps crisp the skin while keeping the meat juicy. How to tell when chicken is fully cooked? The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 165°F (74°C) when done. What to serve with lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs? You can serve these chicken thighs with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. They complement many side dishes. Ideas for matching side dishes and drinks Pair your meal with a chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. For sides, consider garlic mashed potatoes or steamed green beans. This post covers everything you need for tasty lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs. You learned about key ingredients, from chicken thighs to herbs, and how to prepare the dish with step-by-step instructions. We discussed tips for marinating and cooking and even explored variations and storage methods. As you whip up this dish, remember that a few tweaks can make a big difference. Enjoy your cooking and impress your family with delicious flavors!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs! This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty mix of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect dish for any dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in under an hour. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your family with your culinary skills!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 lemons (zest and juice)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

    In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

      Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).

        Once the chicken is marinated, arrange the thighs skin-side up in the baking dish.

          Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).

            Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy skin, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.

              Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

                Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the pan juices drizzled over the top.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4