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baked lemon chicken thighs in a oval baking dish garnished with parsley.
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5 from 14 votes

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs are a delightful blend of juicy chicken with a zesty lemon twist, seasoned with fragrant garlic, thyme, and a touch of honey. Serve it up with your favorite sides for a meal that's sure to be a hit!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked lemon chicken thighs, chicken thigh recipes
Servings: 4
Calories: 429kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 lemons one juiced and one sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, honey, and paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for optimal flavor, cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
    process shots showing how to make baked lemon chicken thighs.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large baking dish. Make sure they are not overcrowded. Tuck the lemon slices among the chicken thighs.
    process shots showing how to make baked lemon chicken thighs.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken on high for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
    process shots showing how to make baked lemon chicken thighs.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
    process shots showing how to make baked lemon chicken thighs.

Video

Notes

  1. For an even zestier flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the marinade.
  2. If you're short on thyme, rosemary makes a great alternative with its aromatic and slightly piney flavor.
  3. Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender.
  4. For a lower-fat version, you can use skinless chicken thighs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 204mg | Potassium: 676mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3mg
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