Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey For this dish, I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy while cooking. The skin adds flavor and crispiness. Fresh garlic is a must! It gives a strong, nice taste. The juice and zest of lemons brighten the dish. I also use olive oil for richness and honey for a hint of sweetness. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish To boost the flavor, I add dried oregano and smoked paprika. Oregano gives an earthy taste, while paprika adds a mild smokiness. I always use salt and pepper to enhance the other flavors. Finally, I garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. These simple ingredients create a delicious meal that anyone can make! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, get your chicken thighs ready. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy later. Place the thighs in a large baking dish. Now, let’s make the marinade. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it looks nice and smooth. Pour this marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. For best taste, let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it overnight in the fridge for even more flavor. Once the chicken is marinated, arrange the thighs skin-side up in the baking dish. Drizzle any leftover marinade on top. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly. Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes. You know it's done when the skin is crispy and the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. For an extra crispy skin, switch your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Stay close and watch carefully to avoid burning. After baking, take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This lets the chicken soak up all the tasty goodness. You can add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well. You can bake or grill the chicken thighs. Baking gives a nice, crispy skin, while grilling adds a smoky flavor. If you bake, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 35-40 minutes. For grilling, cook on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Always check that the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C). This ensures juicy and safe chicken. Serve the chicken with sides like rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. These balance the flavors well. For a nice touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds color and freshness. Present the chicken on a large platter for a beautiful display. This makes the meal feel special. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator to really enhance the flavors. Pat Dry for Crispiness: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before adding the marinade. This helps achieve perfectly crispy skin during baking. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Broil for Extra Crisp: If you want an extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. {{image_2}} You can swap bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for boneless thighs. Boneless thighs cook faster and stay tender. Just remember to check the doneness early. You can also play with different herbs and spices. Try thyme or rosemary for a new flavor. You can even use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Fresh herbs add brightness to the dish. Grilling is a great option if you want a smoky taste. You can marinate the chicken and grill it for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to turn the thighs for even cooking. Roasting gives a nice crispy skin. It locks in the juiciness while the skin turns golden. If you want a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken fall-apart tender and full of flavor. Adding different citrus fruits can make your dish shine. Try orange or lime juice for a fresh twist. Each fruit adds its own unique flavor profile. Experimenting with marinades can change your meal completely. You can add soy sauce for an Asian touch. Or, use balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy kick. To keep your Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs fresh, follow these steps: - Let the chicken cool down to room temperature. - Place the chicken in an airtight container. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria. For best taste, eat leftovers within three days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps avoid freezer burn. When reheating chicken thighs, keep them juicy and tasty by using these methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. - Microwave Method: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures safety and quality. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! How long to marinate chicken thighs? You should marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to soak in. For the best taste, let them sit overnight in the fridge. This extra time builds a rich flavor you will love. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If you choose breasts, watch the cooking time. They cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Calories and macros per serving Each serving of Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs has about 350 calories. You get 25 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 5 grams of carbs. This meal is filling and provides great energy. Health benefits of main ingredients - Chicken thighs: Rich in protein and iron, helpful for muscle health. - Garlic: Supports heart health and boosts the immune system. - Lemons: High in vitamin C, good for skin and overall health. - Olive oil: Contains healthy fats that support heart health. What to do if the chicken is dry? If your chicken turns out dry, try a few things. First, check your cooking time. Next time, cook it for a shorter time or lower the heat. You can also add a splash of broth when serving to add moisture. How to fix undercooked chicken thighs? If your chicken is undercooked, return it to the oven. Cook it for an extra 5-10 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) before you eat. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Lemon garlic chicken thighs are a simple and tasty dish. You learned about key ingredients, from chicken and garlic to seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions to make it easy. You'll find tips for perfecting the marinade and cooking methods. I also offered fun variations and storage tips. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey, and remember, practice makes perfect!$

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

A flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons juice
1 lemon zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large baking dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor).
Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in the baking dish and pour any remaining marinade on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Switch the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if you want extra crispy skin, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and added flavor.

Notes

Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.

Keyword baked, chicken, garlic, lemon