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Crispy Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

crispy baked lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender chicken thighs with bright lemon and herb flavors. Perfect for a fuss-free, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary and thyme, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to blend evenly.
  4. Toss each chicken thigh in the marinade, ensuring all sides and under the skin are coated. Let sit for 10-15 minutes if possible.
  5. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the chicken thighs skin side up, spaced apart for airflow.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Halfway through (around 15-18 minutes), carefully flip the thighs briefly with tongs, then return skin side up.
  7. If the skin is not crispy enough, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation under the chicken. Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for extra crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. If skin browns too fast, tent loosely with foil and continue baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, lemon herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken thighs, baked chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-baked-lemon-herb-chicken-thighs-easy-juicy-tender-recipe/