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Crispy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Butter Recipe

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden baked chicken thighs infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, finished with a luscious garlic butter drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. Heat olive oil in a baking sheet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  5. Flip the thighs so skin-side is up, then transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
  6. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that juices run clear and meat feels firm but springy.
  7. While the chicken roasts, prepare the garlic herb butter by combining melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, thyme, and juice from half the lemon in a small bowl. Mix well.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the garlic herb butter all over each piece.
  9. Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the butter soak in.
  10. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from the remaining half just before serving.
  11. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Patting the skin dry and cooking skin-side down first are key steps. If dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil but expect a different flavor profile. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even roasting.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-lemon-herb-baked-chicken-thighs-easy-garlic-butter-recipe/