Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor, thanks to the tangy lemon juice and aromatic garlic. This dish is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight meal!
The smell that fills the kitchen while cooking is incredible, and I can’t resist sneaking a taste before it’s done. 😉 I love to serve it with some rice or fresh veggies for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Skin-on, bone-in thighs add great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts can be used. Just adjust the cooking time, as they cook faster!
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for sautéing because of its flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter work well as substitutes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the dish, but if you’re in a hurry, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be a quick swap. For fewer garlic bites, you can reduce the amount to just 2 cloves.
Lemons: The bright flavor from lemons is key here. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, though fresh offers better taste. You can also use limes for a different twist!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is lovely, but dried thyme can easily substitute. Remember, dried is more potent, so use about a third of the amount. Herbs like rosemary or oregano can also be fun alternatives.
How Do I Properly Sear Chicken for Perfect Juiciness?
Searing chicken correctly is essential for a crispy skin and great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet—this helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Add oil and let it heat up, then season your chicken on both sides for extra flavor.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and resist the urge to move it! Let it sear for 5-7 minutes. This creates that perfect crispy skin.
- Flip the chicken and let it cook another 3-4 minutes to seal in moisture before adding the other ingredients.
This simple technique makes all the difference in the final dish!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes in the oven. You’ll spend a little time searing the chicken and then let the oven do the work. Perfect for a busy night or a special dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and comes out perfectly juicy.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and let them sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is a lovely golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic! Then, add the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Next, arrange the lemon slices at the bottom of the skillet. Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the lemon slices. Sprinkle the fresh thyme over the chicken for added flavor.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Crisp Up the Skin:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help to crisp up the skin and give it that delicious texture.
8. Garnish and Serve:
When your chicken is ready, remove it from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest before serving. This adds a fresh touch and makes your dish look even more appealing!
Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs! It’s sure to be a hit at dinner!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, you can follow the same instructions, but reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, as they cook faster without the bone. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How Can I Make This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
To adapt this recipe for a keto diet, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth or use a low-carb chicken broth. Additionally, ensure any side dishes are low in carbohydrates, such as steamed non-starchy vegetables or a fresh salad!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead. Just use about one-third of the amount (1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon). You can also substitute with dried oregano or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
