Go Back
–+ servings
Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Garlic served on a plate

Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Garlic

No ratings yet
This recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a bright lemon-garlic mixture to ensure juicy meat and crispy skin. Baking at high heat caramelizes the lemon and crisps the skin without drying the chicken. It’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 6-8 oz each
  • 2 lemons lemon juice and zest
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt season generously
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or baking dish To bake the chicken thighs skin-side up
  • Meat thermometer To check internal temperature of chicken
  • Mixing bowl To mix marinade and coat chicken
  • Whisk To combine marinade ingredients
  • Paper towels To pat chicken skin dry

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture and ensure crispy skin.
    4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried thyme or rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
    2 lemons lemon, 6 cloves garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade bowl and turn to coat evenly. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
    4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  4. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, leaving 1 inch between pieces. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
    4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  5. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until skin turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone. If the skin is not crispy enough, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
    4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
    4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Notes

  • Pat the chicken skin completely dry before baking or it will steam instead of crisp.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part without touching the bone for doneness (165°F).
  • Do not cover the pan when baking to keep the skin crispy.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!