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To make Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs, you will need: - 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 thinly sliced) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These main ingredients work together to create a dish that is both tasty and simple. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base, while the garlic and lemon add bright, fresh flavors. You can elevate your dish with some optional garnishes and enhancements. Consider adding: - Lemon wedges for extra zest - Thinly sliced green onions for a bit of crunch - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat These extras can bring new layers of flavor and make your meal more visually appealing. If you don’t have all the ingredients, you can still make this dish. Here are some easy substitutes: - Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. - Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor. - If you lack fresh rosemary, try thyme or oregano. These substitutes keep the essence of the dish while allowing for flexibility in your kitchen. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To start, we need to prep our chicken thighs. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key to roasting the chicken well. Next, let’s make the marinade. In a bowl, mix together 4 minced garlic cloves, juice from 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of rosemary, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper. This mix adds great flavor to the chicken. Now, take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Place the thighs in a big zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat each piece well. If using a bag, seal it tight. If in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better for flavor. Once you finish marinating, it’s time to roast. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet, skin-side up. Make sure they are not touching each other. This allows them to cook evenly. Now, add the lemon slices around the chicken. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 35-40 minutes. The chicken will turn golden brown. To keep it juicy, baste the chicken with the juices halfway through cooking. This step is simple but makes a big difference. To check if the chicken is ready, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for golden skin and clear juices when you cut into it. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to stay inside the meat, making it tender. Now, it’s time to garnish your dish with some fresh parsley. This adds a lovely touch to the meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs! To get that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This helps the skin crisp during cooking. Make sure to season the skin with salt. The salt draws out moisture, leading to a crunchier texture. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the skin. High heat is key, so preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before roasting. If you want even crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Marinating your chicken thighs enhances flavor and tenderness. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. However, 2 hours or more is even better. Make your marinade with lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and herbs. This combination adds great flavor. Use a zip-top bag for easy mixing. Place the chicken in the bag, pour in the marinade, and seal it tight. Massage the marinade into the chicken thighs for even coating. If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to really soak in. To take your Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs up a notch, consider adding more herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano work well. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. For a smoky touch, use smoked paprika. Add lemon slices on top of the chicken before roasting. They will caramelize and give extra flavor to your dish. You can also swap out olive oil for garlic-infused oil. This adds another layer of taste. For a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley right before serving. This not only enhances flavor but also makes your dish look beautiful. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavors in your Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs. Instead of rosemary, try thyme or oregano. Both herbs add a nice touch. You can also use lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without overpowering the dish. While roasting is a classic way to cook chicken thighs, you can try grilling them for a smoky flavor. Just marinate as usual, then cook on a grill over medium heat. Another option is using an air fryer. It cooks faster and still gives you crispy skin. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for about 25-30 minutes. Serve your lemon garlic chicken with a side of roasted veggies. Carrots and potatoes work great. You can also pair it with a simple salad for a fresh touch. If you want something hearty, try rice or quinoa. These sides soak up the chicken's juices well. For a fun twist, serve it in tacos with some fresh salsa. You can find the full recipe to explore these variations and more. To store your leftover lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken is warm throughout. You want it to reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you have more chicken than you can eat, freezing is a great option. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn. The chicken will stay good for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavor intact. For the complete recipe, check the full recipe for lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay juicy. Adjust your cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. If it reads 165°F (74°C), it’s safe to eat. You can also check the juices. They should run clear, not pink. You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables, like carrots and broccoli - A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal - Crusty bread to soak up the juices For the complete cooking experience, check out the Full Recipe. Lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs are easy and delicious. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for crispy skin. You can even try variations for extra flavor. Don't forget how to store leftovers properly. With these tips, you can make a tasty meal that your family will love. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and sides. Trust me, this dish will become a new favorite!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs

Indulge in delicious Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe that will impress your family and friends! Learn how to marinate and roast juicy chicken thighs infused with bright lemon and aromatic garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is not only tasty but simple to prepare. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 thinly sliced)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting.

    Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, chopped rosemary, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. This marinade will infuse your chicken with flavor.

      Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during roasting. Place the dried thighs in a large zip-top bag or a mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly, or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, aim for 2 hours.

        Prepare for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared sheet, ensuring they are placed skin-side up and spaced apart for even cooking. Arrange the thin lemon slices over and around the chicken.

          Roast the Chicken: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for approximately 35-40 minutes. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and has an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). To enhance flavor and moisture, baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through the cooking time.

            Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps keep the meat juicy.

              Garnish and Serve: Before presenting your dish, sprinkle the roasted chicken thighs with freshly chopped parsley to elevate both the flavor and appearance.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes

                  - Total Time: 1 hour

                    - Servings: 4