Description
This recipe features juicy, flavorful baked chicken thighs with a crispy skin, seasoned with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices and brightened with fresh lemon juice. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, the chicken is oven-baked to perfection and optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Juice of 1 lemon
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the chicken skin will get crispy while the meat cooks through evenly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir well to blend all the flavors into a cohesive marinade.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and thoroughly coat each piece with the marinade, making sure to get some of the seasoning mixture under the skin for deeper flavor penetration.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon evenly over the seasoned chicken thighs to add brightness and a fresh zing to the dish.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the chicken thighs out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper; this will make cleanup easier and help the thighs bake evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin has turned a golden brown and developed a crispy texture.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer even crispier skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning the skin.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the thighs with fresh parsley if desired and serve alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and moist texture.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours or overnight if time allows.
- Monitor closely during broiling step to prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
