Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

When youโ€™re low on time but you need to get a healthy dinner on the table, try these lemon garlic chicken thighs! Theyโ€™re packed with juicy flavor and they come together so quickly. Pair your chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, salad, or a roasted vegetable to complete this wholesome weeknight dinner.ย 

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Why Youโ€™ll Love Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Even when weโ€™re in the most sluggish and lazy seasons of life, we deserve delicious food! Sometimes I have to get creative to get supper on the table at a reasonable hour when Iโ€™m especially tired, but these lemon garlic chicken thighs are the result of one of those nights – so my creativity paid off! 

I had some leftover chicken thighs to use and was craving fried chicken, but I decided to forego the mess and make something a little easier (and more wholesome). I kept the skin on so it would trap in the flavor and moisture, and let me tell you – that was a great decision. 

The lemon, garlic, and rosemary add subtle background flavors to support the natural juiciness of the chicken, and while the chicken can speak for itself, it also pairs well with so many different side dishes. Try this recipe with a baked potato (white or sweet, your choice) and a side salad to complete the meal. I have more ideas below, so stay tuned!

Key Ingredients for This Chicken Thigh Recipe

These chicken thighs are so easy to throw together! Sometimes itโ€™s easy to forget that simple ingredients can pack a big punch, but let this recipe be a reminder! We donโ€™t need a complicated fuss to create a delicious – and healthy! – meal. 

  • Chicken Thighs
  • Olive Oil 
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Garlic – roughly chopped
  • Lemon – sliced thickly 
  • Rosemary – finely chopped

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. 

Step 2: Fry Chicken Thighs

Heat a large oven-proof skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste, and then fry the chicken on both sides in the skillet until theyโ€™re golden – but not completely cooked through.  

Step 3: Season

Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and lay the rind in the skillet beside the chicken. Sprinkle garlic and rosemary over the chicken thighs.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the chicken in the skillet for 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear. 

Note: I like to baste my chicken with the juice once or twice while baking. This is optional, but I recommend it.ย 

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

FAQs

Is chicken breast or chicken thigh better for you?

Technically, chicken breasts have fewer calories. However, I believe in moderation. Enjoy what you want as long as itโ€™s a part of a balanced diet.ย 

Do chicken thighs take longer to cook than chicken breasts?

Yes, they typically take longer to cook because theyโ€™re fattier and more dense. Youโ€™ll want to follow the recipe and make sure your chicken is reaching an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.

Why use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

For some recipes – like this one – you can use whichever cut you like. I chose thighs because I had them left over and I think they were a great choice because theyโ€™re a fattier cut. That means theyโ€™re richer and more flavorful than a chicken breast.ย 

How long will lemon garlic chicken thighs keep?

You can keep your leftover chicken thighs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Just make sure the chicken cools before storing it!

What To Serve with Chicken Thighs

More Quick and Easy Recipes To Try

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Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

When youโ€™re low on time but you need to get a healthy dinner on the table, try these lemon garlic chicken thighs! Theyโ€™re packed with juicy flavor and they come together so quickly. Pair your chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, salad, or a roasted vegetable to complete this wholesome weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4 -6
Author: Countryside Cravings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 bone in chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 lemon sliced in thick slices
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Heat a large oven proof skillet over medium heat with the olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. Fry on both sides in skillet until golden (but not cooked completely through.)
  • Squeeze the lemons over the chicken and lay in the skillet beside the chicken. Sprinkle with the garlic and rosemary.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear.
  • I like to baste my chicken with the juices once or twice while baking.

Notes

You can keep your leftover chicken thighs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Just make sure the chicken cools before storing it!
Did you make this?Let me know by sharing a picture and tagging @countryside_cravings on Instagram

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