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Crispy Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Drizzle

crispy baked lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked to crispy perfection with a bright lemon herb seasoning and finished with a rich garlic butter drizzle. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a comforting yet special meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (medium-sized)
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place skin-side up in a mixing bowl or large dish.
  3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary, and the zest of one lemon. Toss gently to coat all sides, keeping the skin dry on top.
  4. Arrange the chicken on a wire rack set over a lined baking sheet, skin side up. If no rack is available, place directly on the baking sheet with space between pieces.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165°F (74°C). Tent loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
  6. While baking, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
  7. Remove chicken from oven and immediately drizzle the garlic butter mixture over each thigh. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Adding the garlic butter drizzle after baking keeps the garlic fresh and vibrant. Use bone-in thighs for best juiciness and flavor. If using boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes and watch closely. For dairy-free, substitute butter with melted coconut oil or olive oil in the drizzle.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, lemon herb chicken, baked chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, low-carb