Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon, herbs, and honey, then oven-baked to perfection. The marinade infuses vibrant citrus flavors complemented by aromatic herbs, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin. Perfect for a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, zested
- ¼ cup lemon juice (from the zested lemons)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (or other chicken pieces such as breasts, legs, wings)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, honey, olive oil, chopped oregano, and chopped parsley. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a zip-top storage bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Press out the air from the bag and seal it tightly. Massage the bag gently to evenly distribute the marinade over the chicken.
- Rest and Soak Flavors: Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Baking Setup: Position a wire rack on top of a rimmed sheet pan to catch any drippings or juices during cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the baking time.
- Pro-tip for Crispy Skin: If using bone-in skin-on chicken, start baking skin side down. At the halfway point, flip the pieces skin side up to brown and crisp the skin for a delicious texture.
- Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle extra chopped parsley and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving. The chicken can be enjoyed hot or chilled, making it perfect either for a meal or a picnic.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 2 hours, but a minimum of 1 hour will still yield tasty results.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for juicier meat and crispier skin; however, boneless pieces can be used if preferred.
- You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit if sensitive to heat.
- The recipe works well with chicken breasts, legs, wings, or thighs—choose your favorite cuts.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve tenderness.
- Serve with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American