Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs | Quick & Flavorful Dinner

When you think about comfort food, few dishes come to mind quicker than a perfectly roasted chicken. And when you combine the irresistible flavors of lemon and garlic with tender chicken thighs, you create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. If you’re craving something savory with a touch of citrusy brightness, Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are the answer. This easy-to-make recipe brings a delicious harmony of tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory herbs—guaranteed to become a new favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.

Recipe Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to crisp up the skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Pat the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel. This helps ensure crispy skin when cooking.
Season the thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) on both sides. The seasoning will create a flavorful crust.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Lemon

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the lemon juice, zest, chicken broth (or water), thyme, and rosemary (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet, and cook them for 5-7 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken over and spoon some of the garlic-lemon sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.

Step 4: Roast in the Oven

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy while the skin crisps up nicely. However, you can also use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, though the cooking time may vary.
Garlic: Be sure to mince the garlic finely to release its flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Lemon Zest: The lemon zest adds an extra pop of citrusy brightness. Don’t skip it!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary give the dish a fragrant, earthy flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried versions will work, though fresh is always best.

Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings (depending on the size of the thighs)

Storage

Leftovers of Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the skin may lose its crispness.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 24g
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg (can vary based on seasoning)

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

For Crispier Skin: Searing the chicken skin-side down before roasting is key to getting that crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
Lemon Twist: If you love lemon, try adding lemon wedges to the skillet during the roasting process for a more intense citrus flavor. You can squeeze them over the chicken just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Add Vegetables: For a one-pan meal, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the skillet before roasting. Simply season and arrange them around the chicken to cook together.
Gravy: If you want a delicious gravy, after removing the chicken, whisk a tablespoon of flour into the pan juices and cook over medium heat until it thickens, then serve over the chicken.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a wholesome meal.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the chicken.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Oven-Safe Skillet: For searing the chicken and transferring to the oven.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.
Zester: For zesting the lemons.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken thighs with ease.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter. Boneless chicken typically cooks in 20-25 minutes.

2. How do I make the chicken less greasy? To reduce the grease, make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking, and remove excess fat if necessary. You can also use a paper towel to blot the chicken after cooking.

3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the lemon-garlic mixture for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking. This will allow the flavors to absorb even more.

4. Can I substitute chicken thighs for another protein? Yes, this recipe works well with chicken breasts, pork chops, or even fish fillets like salmon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins will cook at different rates.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs is a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon creates an unforgettable flavor profile. Whether you’re serving it with simple sides or going all out with roasted vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it once, and we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire.