This Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs dish is bursting with flavor! The zesty lemon and aromatic garlic make each bite juicy and bright. Plus, it’s simple to whip up!
I love how quick this recipe is—just season, sear, and bake. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and pairs well with rice or veggies. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the meat juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you could also use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute in a pinch. Just use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you’re out of lemons, use bottled juice or even white wine vinegar, though it will alter the taste slightly.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great, but low-sodium canned broth works well too. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Oregano: Dried oregano is used here, but if you have fresh, go ahead and use that instead! Just remember that fresh herbs are usually more potent, so use about three times the amount of fresh than dried.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin?
Achieving crispy skin is a key part of this recipe! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the chicken skin is dry by patting it with paper towels. This helps it crisp up when searing.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. A hot pan leads to caramelization, giving you that golden color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this prevents steaming. If you have more chicken, do it in batches.
- Sear the skin-side down first for 5-7 minutes without moving it. Letting it sit promotes crispiness.
After baking, don’t be in a rush to cut into the chicken. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender!
Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and then around 25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. A quick and delicious meal is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes juicy and tender.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important to get crispy skin! Then, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes without moving them, until the skin is golden and crispy. Then flip the thighs over and sear on the other side for 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Add the lemon zest and oregano, stirring well to combine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this adds a ton of flavor!
6. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the unsalted butter and allow it to melt in, creating a rich and tasty sauce.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over the chicken. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
8. Check for Doneness:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon more sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.
Enjoy your flavorful Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just be aware they may cook faster, so check for doneness around 15-20 minutes of baking time to avoid drying them out.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well too! For a lighter flavor, you could also use water plus a splash of soy sauce or a bit of bouillon for added taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings up to 24 hours ahead. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking, and follow the recipe as usual for searing and baking.
