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Crispy Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs (Easy 30-Min Recipe)

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This crispy baked lemon garlic chicken thighs recipe delivers crackly skin and juicy meat in about 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and a hot oven, it’s a reliable weeknight dinner that turns a regular Tuesday into something special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 2 medium lemons
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (use 1 teaspoon if using table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the oven rack in the middle position. Give it a full 15-20 minutes to reach temperature.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Use 3-4 paper towels to ensure the skin is very dry.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub it in gently.
  4. Zest both lemons (about 1 tablespoon zest) and juice them (about 3 tablespoons juice). Set the juice aside. In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest with the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the seasoned chicken, focusing on getting it under the skin if possible.
  5. Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up, leaving at least ½ inch of space between each piece.
  6. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tops of the chicken. Tuck the fresh thyme sprigs between the thighs if using.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes without opening the oven door. At the 25-minute mark, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone. It should read 175°F (80°C). If not, give it 5 more minutes.
  8. For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest on the rack for 5 minutes. Drizzle the reserved lemon juice over the top.
  10. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme or lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the crispiest skin, pat the chicken very dry and do not overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can crinkle aluminum foil into coils to lift the chicken. Adjust cooking time based on your oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, 30-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, baked chicken thighs

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/crispy-baked-lemon-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-30-min-recipe/