Imagine pulling a tray of golden-brown, glistening chicken thighs out of the oven, with a tantalizing aroma of zesty lemon and herbs filling your kitchen. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that's both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, these oven-baked lemon chicken thighs will become your new go-to dish that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the chicken if desired for extra seasoning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon wedges for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy, golden skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for maximum flavor penetration, but don't exceed 30 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor, or boneless for quicker cooking.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried thyme if you have them on hand.
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 471kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
