Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in zesty lemon juice and garlic, these thighs become tender and tasty as they cook.
Making this dish is super easy—just mix, marinate, and bake. You’ll love the smell of garlic wafting through your kitchen! 🍋
I enjoy pairing this with rice or a fresh salad. It’s simple to whip up, and it always impresses guests. Plus, you can never have too much lemon, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but keep in mind the cooking time might change. Juicy thighs are just unbeatable!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder—1/8 teaspoon per clove is a good rule of thumb. But remember, fresh is always best!
Lemon: Fresh lemons add the best zing to this dish. If you have lemon juice on hand, that’s a fine substitute, but use about half the amount as it’s more concentrated. Grating the zest really enhances the flavor!
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are perfect, but if you have fresh herbs lying around, use those! They have a brighter flavor and can really elevate the dish. Just double the amount if you’re using fresh herbs.
Vegetables: Baby potatoes and broccoli are great choices here. You can replace broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or even carrots. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as they might cook faster or slower!
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken can make a big difference in flavor! It’s a simple step that really enhances this dish. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Mix all marinade ingredients (garlic, lemon juice, oil, herbs, salt, and pepper) in a bowl.
- Make sure the chicken thighs are coated well—use your hands if necessary!
- Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) in the fridge. This is when magic happens, as the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
Always remember: the longer it marinates, the tastier it gets! Just don’t go beyond 2 hours, or the lemon juice may make the chicken a bit mushy.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes and cooking time of 35-40 minutes in the oven. So, in total, you can expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors into a tasty marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Grab a large bowl and place the chicken thighs in it. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. This really helps the flavors sink in!
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
While your chicken is marinating, let’s get the veggies ready! In another bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes and broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will give them great flavor while they bake.
5. Arrange Everything on a Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Once the chicken is done marinating, arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet. Scatter the seasoned baby potatoes and broccoli around the chicken. This allows everything to cook together beautifully.
6. Add Lemon Slices:
For an extra burst of flavor, place some lemon slices on top of the chicken thighs and around the vegetables. They’ll add a lovely aroma and taste.
7. Bake the Dish:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—your chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The vegetables should be tender and nicely caramelized.
8. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once everything is cooked, take the baking sheet out and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the chicken before serving. You can dish it up with your favorite side and enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! However, reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes, as they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safely enjoyed.
What Can I Substitute for Baby Potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes on hand, you can substitute them with sweet potatoes, quartered regular potatoes, or even carrots for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. If the chicken seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just keep in mind that vegetables with different cooking times may need to be added midway through baking for the best results.
