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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped The star of this dish is the chicken thighs. I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs. They stay juicy and full of flavor. The skin crisps up nicely, giving you a satisfying crunch. Next, we need our marinade. I use olive oil, which adds richness. Minced garlic brings that bold, savory taste. It really wakes up the chicken. Now, let’s talk about the flavor enhancers. Lemon zest adds a bright note. The juice gives a tangy kick. I also add dried oregano. It has a lovely earthy taste. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Don't forget salt and pepper for balance. To finish, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It’s not just pretty; it adds a fresh taste. These ingredients come together to make a simple, yet delicious meal that everyone will love. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest of 1 lemon, the juice of 2 lemons, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until mixed well. - Toss 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated. - Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. - Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. - Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. - Flip the chicken thighs over and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. - Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). For the best flavor, marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them soak for up to 2 hours. This longer time helps the marinade soak in deeper. Always store in the refrigerator to keep the chicken safe. Use a sealable bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap. To get crispy skin, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in a hot skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding the chicken. Sear for 5 to 7 minutes until golden. After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes to finish cooking. This method locks in moisture while crisping the skin. Serve with sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad. Mashed potatoes or rice also pair well. For plating, lay the chicken on a plate and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can also squeeze extra lemon juice over the chicken for a zesty kick. {{image_2}} To make this dish spicy, add chili flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and taste. You can also use cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat. Both add a great kick! Fresh herbs can elevate this dish. Try thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. You can mix herbs too. Consider combining parsley and cilantro for a fresh twist. You have choices for cooking. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Baking gives even cooking and crispy skin. Slow cooking makes the meat very tender. You can adapt this for an Instant Pot, too. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. This method saves time and keeps chicken juicy. To store leftovers safely, let the chicken cool first. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze the chicken thighs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps to keep the flavor and texture. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This method ensures it thaws safely without losing taste. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you want the skin crispy, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your flavorful meal just as fresh! I suggest marinating chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in nicely. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This extra time deepens the taste, making each bite even better. Just remember, don’t go over 2 hours, or the acid in the lemon juice can change the chicken's texture. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster, which means less time in the oven. However, bone-in thighs keep more juices, making them more flavorful. If you choose boneless, reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes. Both options are tasty, so pick what you like best! Great side dishes for Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs include: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted potatoes - Rice pilaf - A fresh green salad All these sides pair well with the lemon and garlic flavors. You can even add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the juices! Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the chicken in batches, then divide it into containers for easy lunches or dinners. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat. Enjoy the great taste all week! This recipe for Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs shows you how to create a flavorful meal. You learned about the key ingredients, like marinated chicken and fresh herbs. We covered step-by-step cooking instructions and shared tips for the best results. You also discovered variations to suit your taste. In the end, this dish is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking it and impress your family or friends with your skills!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Elevate your dinner game with these zesty lemon garlic chicken thighs that are bursting with flavor! This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and delivers a mouthwatering meal that your family will love. Learn how to marinate the chicken to perfection and achieve crispy skin with simple steps. Ready to impress at your next meal?
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.

      Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).

        Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

          Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4