Lemon Garlic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Thigh Dinner is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal any night of the week. Juicy, golden chicken thighs baked with garlic, onion, and lemon create a delicious balance of savory and bright flavors.

Ingredients

• 6 pieces chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Flip the chicken thighs and add chopped onion, minced garlic, and butter around the pieces, stirring briefly.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and arrange lemon slices on top of the thighs.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, pat the chicken very dry before seasoning and searing.
• Swap lemon slices with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic twist.
• If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer chicken and ingredients to a baking dish before baking.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but breasts cook faster and can dry out easily. Reduce baking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing adds flavor and helps create crispy skin, but you can skip this step if short on time—baking directly will still produce a tasty result.

Lemon Garlic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.9 from 149 reviews

A flavorful and juicy chicken thigh dinner featuring perfectly seared chicken thighs baked with aromatic garlic, onions, lemon slices, and a rich butter and chicken broth sauce. This recipe combines stovetop searing with oven baking to deliver tender, golden-brown chicken with a savory, citrus-infused finish.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Thighs

• 6 pieces chicken thighs

Seasoning & Flavor

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced

Cooking Liquids & Fats

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs after searing.
2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Aromatics and Butter: Flip the chicken thighs to the other side. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and butter around the chicken in the skillet, stirring briefly to combine and melt the butter.
5. Add Broth and Lemon: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken thighs. This will infuse the dish with bright citrus flavors while baking.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
7. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

• Use an ovenproof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven without changing pans.
• Drying the chicken before seasoning helps to achieve a crisper skin when searing.
• Internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) for safe poultry consumption.
• Resting the chicken after baking makes it juicier and more flavorful.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper according to taste preferences.

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