These easy garlic lemon chicken thighs are juicy and packed with flavor! The zesty lemon and garlic make the dish shine, while the chicken stays tender and tasty.
Cooking these thighs is a breeze! I love how quick they are to prepare. Just season, sear, and bake—it’s like a fancy dinner with hardly any effort. 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs because they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but they may not be as moist.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too—just use about 1/2 teaspoon for each clove.
Lemon: Fresh lemon is fantastic, as it adds brightness. If lemons aren’t available, lime juice can be a good substitute, offering a different but tasty twist.
Oregano: Dried oregano works well, but fresh oregano brings a wonderful freshness. If you’re out of oregano, any other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can work too!
How Do I Get Crispy Skin on My Chicken Thighs?
To achieve that perfect crispy skin, start by patting the chicken dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! When searing, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This allows the skin to brown properly.
- Use medium-high heat and don’t move the chicken around too much initially.
- Let it sear for 5-7 minutes without moving it for a golden crust.
- Flipping it only once helps keep that crisp skin intact.
Following these steps will result in beautifully crispy skin every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🥳
Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal option. So in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready to enjoy!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s hot and ready for the chicken when you’re done prepping.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with some paper towels. This is important for getting a nice crispy skin. Season both sides of the thighs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Sear the Thighs:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet skin-side down. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the thighs over and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the thighs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium, and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Make the Sauce:
Next, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and oregano to the skillet. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the skillet to get all those tasty brown bits mixed in with your sauce.
6. Combine and Dot with Butter:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, then dot the thighs with the butter for extra richness.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and pour some of the delicious pan sauce over the top.
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy garlic lemon chicken thighs! This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or roasted vegetables.
FAQ for Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that they will cook faster, so check them after about 15-20 minutes in the oven for doneness.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This garlic lemon chicken pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad works well too!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and then bake the chicken when you’re ready to serve. Just add an extra few minutes of cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge!
