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Juicy Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

Three perfectly roasted Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs with crispy, browned skin served on a white plate.

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Follow these steps to make moist, flavorful chicken thighs roasted with fresh lemon and garlic. This recipe provides clear instructions for achieving crispy skin and tender meat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours refrigerated.
  5. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Discard any remaining marinade.
  6. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
  7. For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 1 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Save the pan drippings after roasting; whisk in a splash of white wine or chicken broth and simmer briefly on the stovetop to create a simple pan sauce.
  • If you prefer a less intense lemon flavor, use only half of the lemon juice in the marinade.
  • For even cooking, try to keep the chicken pieces from touching on the baking sheet.

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