If you're looking for a simple, yet incredibly flavorful chicken dish, these Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs are the perfect solution! They’re easy to prepare, loaded with citrusy goodness, and have a perfectly crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior. In just one bite, you’ll fall in love with the zesty lemon flavor paired with juicy chicken thighs.

Close up image of Lemon Chicken Thighs in a skillet

Why You'll Love This Easy Chicken Recipe

Simple Ingredients. This recipe uses everyday kitchen staples like chicken thighs, fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. No fancy ingredients needed!
Flavor-Packed. The combination of lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and garlic creates an irresistible marinade.
Juicy & Tender. Baking chicken thighs keeps them juicy, and the lemon marinade ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Versatile. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. It pairs well with various sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this baked lemon chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

What Do Lemon Chicken Thighs Taste Like?

Lemon chicken thighs are known for their bright, tangy, and savory flavor profile. The acidity from the lemon adds a refreshing zest, cutting through the richness of the chicken.

The chicken thighs themselves are juicy and tender, offering a slightly fattier and more flavorful bite compared to other cuts of chicken.

When baked or roasted, the lemon enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, often combined with garlic, herbs, and olive oil to create a savory, aromatic experience.

Are Lemon Chicken Thighs Healthy?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are rich in protein, and using fresh lemon juice not only enhances flavor but also brings a dose of vitamin C to your meal. Baking the thighs also reduces the need for excessive oils, making it a wholesome, guilt-free dinner option.

Plus, this dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, so it fits into a variety of diets!

Ingredients You'll Need

Chicken Thighs- Bone-in, skin-on thighs are the star of this dish, offering juicy meat and crispy skin.
Olive Oil- Adds richness to the marinade and helps crisp up the skin during baking.
Lemon- Fresh lemon juice and zest infuse the chicken with bright, zesty flavor.
Garlic- Minced garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor.
Dried Oregano- A perfect herb to complement the lemon and garlic.
Salt & Black Pepper- Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Fresh Parsley- For a fresh, vibrant garnish.

How To Make Lemon Chicken Thighs

Prepare the Marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The combination of lemon and garlic makes a bright and flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this ensures crispy skin!). Place them in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the lemon marinade over the top. Seal and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top to elevate the chicken thighs for even cooking.
Bake to Perfection. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, skin side up. Place a slice of lemon on top of each thigh. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Garnish and Serve. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Overhead image of Lemon Chicken Thighs in a skillet

Tips And Tricks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your lemon chicken thighs turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy every time:

Crispier Skin. For extra crispy chicken skin, place the thighs under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor. While 30 minutes of marinating is sufficient, allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 4 hours will deepen the flavor.
Pat Chicken Dry. Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before baking. Removing excess moisture ensures the skin becomes golden and crispy.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations to change up your classic lemon chicken thighs recipe while keeping the citrusy goodness intact:

Herb Lovers’ Delight- Add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an extra layer of herbaceous flavor.
Spicy- For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Garlic Butter- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the chicken before baking for a richer, buttery flavor.

What To Serve With Lemon Chicken Thighs

This lemon chicken is so versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

Roasted Vegetables- Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a healthy and delicious side.
Mashed Potatoes- Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with baked chicken thighs.
Rice or Quinoa- Serve the chicken over rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the zesty lemon juices.
Salad- A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the bright flavors of the lemon chicken.

How Long Do They Last?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. These baked thighs also make excellent leftovers for meal prep!

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven until heated through.

More Lemon Flavored Recipes

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