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Crispy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

crispy lemon herb baked chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy meat with a bright lemon and fresh herb marinade. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. (5 minutes)
  3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours or up to overnight. (30 minutes to 2 hours)
  4. Preheat oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them apart. Pour any leftover marinade over the top. (2 minutes)
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). Use a meat thermometer or check that juices run clear. (35-40 minutes)
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices. (5 minutes)
  8. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if skin needs extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before marinating to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Baking at high heat (425ยฐF) crisps the skin while keeping meat juicy. Rest chicken after baking for best texture. Broil briefly if extra crispiness is desired. Can be grilled as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, lemon herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free chicken