Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful and Simple Delight
Overview
If you’re in the mood for a quick, flavorful, and inexpensive dinner thatโs sure to impress, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs recipe. I originally crafted this recipe on a busy weeknight when I had some chicken leg quarters on hand, and it turned out to be such a hit with my family and friends that itโs become a staple in my kitchen. The bright, citrusy lemon, combined with aromatic garlic and savory seasoning, brings out the best in meaty bone-in chicken thighs, though you can certainly use chicken breasts (just be sure to keep the skin on!). Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for an easy yet delicious dinner option, this recipe is a perfect choice. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also works well for a variety of occasionsโfrom weeknight dinners to gatherings with loved ones.
Recipe Details:
| Recipe Name | Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Category | Chicken Thigh & Leg |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Keywords | Chicken, Poultry, Meat, High Protein, Healthy, Oven, Quick, Family-Friendly, Lemon Garlic |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skinless chicken thighs or leg quarters | 2-3 pieces |
| Lemons | 2 |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon pepper seasoning | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 87.8 kcal |
| Fat | 2.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 46 mg |
| Sodium | 51.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.8 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugar | 0.6 g |
| Protein | 14.4 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Roasting Pan
Start by spraying a deep baking dish or a roaster with non-stick cooking spray to ensure that the chicken doesnโt stick while roasting. -
-
Prepare the Lemon Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice and zest from both lemons, the additional 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir to blend the flavors together. -
Arrange the Chicken
Place the skinless chicken thighs or leg quarters into the prepared roasting pan. Be sure the pieces are spaced evenly to ensure even cooking. -
Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken generously with lemon pepper seasoning. The more you use, the more pronounced the lemony flavor will be, so feel free to adjust it to your personal taste preferences. -
Add the Lemon Mixture
Pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the chicken pieces. For an extra burst of flavor, toss the lemon rinds into the roasting dish as wellโthey will infuse the chicken with even more citrus aroma as it bakes. -
Roast the Chicken
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and roast the chicken for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Be sure to turn the chicken over halfway through the baking time to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165ยฐF or 74ยฐC). -
Optional Freezer Meal Preparation
If you’re looking to prepare this dish in advance, you can freeze it for later. Simply prepare the chicken as instructed, seal it in a ziplock bag, and freeze it. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the chicken, place it in the roasting pan, and bake as usual, adding the lemon pepper seasoning right before cooking. -
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is done, serve it with your favorite side dishes. For a more indulgent twist, take the sauce from the roasting pan, combine it with a small amount of half-and-half to make a creamy sauce, and serve it over pasta. The rich, citrusy sauce complements the chicken beautifully.
Tips and Variations
- Chicken Breasts: While this recipe is designed for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and leg quarters, you can certainly use chicken breasts. Just remember to keep the skin on to retain the moisture and flavor during roasting.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the roasting pan. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions pair wonderfully with the lemon and garlic flavors.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the flavor profile. Fresh rosemary particularly complements the lemon and garlic combination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: All you need are basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Versatile: This recipe works great with thighs, leg quarters, or breasts, making it a go-to for whatever type of chicken you have on hand.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of lemon, garlic, and lemon-pepper seasoning infuses the chicken with a bright, zesty flavor thatโs both fresh and comforting.
- Family-Friendly: Even people who typically donโt enjoy dark meat will love this dish. Itโs a perfect meal for the whole family, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
This Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs recipe is a sure-fire winner that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple, delicious, and the perfect way to bring a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinners. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a staple in your kitchen too!
