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Easy • Chicken

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful baked chicken thighs infused with bright lemon and savory herbs, perfect for any weeknight.

Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

Get ready for a super simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken dinner! These baked chicken thighs are marinated in a bright mix of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, resulting in juicy, tender meat with crispy skin (if using bone-in, skin-on). It's a fuss-free recipe that delivers big on taste, making it an instant classic for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

  2. Step 2

    In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to ensure they are well coated. For best flavor, let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

  3. Step 3

    Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet, skin-side up. You can pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.

  4. Step 4

    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. If using boneless, skinless thighs, cook time will be closer to 20-25 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired.

Tips

  • For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken is very dry before adding the marinade, and don't overcrowd your baking sheet.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon dried thyme, but fresh herbs offer superior flavor.
  • You can add vegetables like chopped potatoes or asparagus to the baking sheet during the last 20 minutes of cooking for a complete meal.

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