Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 35 minutes • Servings: 4

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Introduction

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken is a bright, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality results straight to your home kitchen. With juicy chicken thighs, fresh lemon, and fragrant herbs, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of zesty freshness and savory richness. As a chef with 10 years of professional cooking experience, I love how simple ingredients transform into an elegant, hands-off dinner. The oven does most of the work, giving you golden, crispy skin and tender meat. Quick tip: marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and boost caramelization.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• ½ tsp (2 g) black pepper
• 1 tsp (3 g) paprika
• 1 tbsp (5 g) fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp (5 g) fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey (optional for caramelization)
• Lemon slices for baking
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. The mixture should smell bright and aromatic.
2. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry to help the skin crisp up. Add them to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Let them sit for 15–30 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Prepare for baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking dish. Add lemon slices around and under the chicken for extra citrus aroma.
4. Bake until golden. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crispy, with slightly caramelized edges.
5. Optional broil for extra crispiness. For deeper color and crunch, broil the chicken on high for 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Rest and finish. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy. Garnish with chopped parsley and a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, just reduce the baking time to 22–25 minutes since they cook faster.

2. Can I substitute chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Bake for 25–28 minutes and check early, as chicken breasts dry out more quickly.

3. What sides go well with Lemon Herb Baked Chicken?

Great options include roasted potatoes, rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.

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