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A baked easy garlic chicken thigh recipe served on a plate.

Speedy One-Pan Lemon Herb Garlic Chicken Thighs

Effortlessly delicious, these one-pan lemon herb garlic chicken thighs offer a flavorful and tender meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6-8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs total)
  • 8 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional: for a subtle kick
  • Fresh parsley or chives Optional: chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin, then place them in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Pour the garlic mixture over the chicken, massaging it in to ensure even coating, especially under the skin; marinate for 20-30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up, ensuring space between each thigh to promote crisping.

Cooking

  • Bake for 30-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy, broiling for the last 2-3 minutes if needed.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chicken after it comes out of the oven. This recipe also works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs; just reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).