Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves you disappointed? Get ready to transform your dinner game with these mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs that are so incredibly delicious, they'll have your family begging for seconds! In just under an hour, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare, packed with zesty flavors, and guaranteed to become a new household favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes better browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
- Place chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up. Brush the entire surface of each chicken thigh generously with the lemon-garlic mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Arrange chicken thighs with some space between them to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Optionally, squeeze additional fresh lemon juice over the chicken for extra brightness.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that crispy, golden-brown skin that everyone loves.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor. Pre-minced garlic from a jar just can't compare to the punch of fresh cloves.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Leaving space between the chicken thighs ensures even cooking and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you enjoy a little heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 125mg
