Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
351 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs
Description
Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs feature bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, and dried oregano. Salt and black pepper are added to enhance flavor. After marinating for at least 30 minutes, the chicken is roasted at a high temperature on a foil-lined pan, preferably on a rack to ensure even crisping around the skin, especially the bottom side.
The roasting process renders the fat and crisps the skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. A brief broil at the end can further enhance the skin’s crunch. The lemon and garlic provide a fresh, savory brightness balanced by the earthy oregano, resulting in a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.
These thighs work well served with extra lemon wedges and can be paired with simple sides like steamed vegetables or rice. Using bone-in and skin-on pieces helps retain moisture during cooking, and seasoning generously is key to flavor depth.
Adjustments include using lemon pepper seasoning for added zest or substituting chicken breast, adjusting the roasting time accordingly. Using a rack is optional but recommended for crispiness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs approx. 5 to 6 ounces each, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested, extra for serving if desired
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a pan with foil and place a baking rack on top (the rack is optional but helps the bottom crisp).
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Toss well to combine and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Place the chicken thighs on the rack and roast 35-40 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Broil 2-3 minutes to crisp if desired. Serve with additional lemon wedges.
Notes
- Using a rack helps crisp the chicken's bottom skin but is optional.
- Season the chicken generously with salt for full flavor.
- Substitute lemon pepper seasoning for salt to add more lemony spice.
- For chicken breasts, adjust roasting time to 24-27 minutes at 400°F.
- Split chicken breasts can be roasted at 425°F for 40-50 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 351 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 351 | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 112mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 296mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 113IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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