Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs are an easy go-to for weeknight meals. Serve them up with your favorite side dishes for a healthy meal.
If you tried my Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breasts, you’re in for a very similar treat.
We’re simply mimicking that recipe using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of boneless chicken breasts.
The combination of lemon and garlic paired with tender chicken thighs just jives like a finely tuned orchestra.
It is an instant win!
The way I see it, boneless chicken thigh recipes are a keeper for throwing together at a moment’s notice or for meal prepping in big batches. It’s versatile, it pairs with all sorts of side dishes, it’s everything you need for a wholesome meal. Also ideal for meal prep!
If you’re into baked chicken thighs and haven’t already tried my Baked Hawaiian BBQ Chicken or my Asian Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs, they are some of my greatest hits!
Let’s discuss the simple ingredients for this easy recipe.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs:
Chicken Thighs: The main character here. Boneless thighs are why we’re all here. Because the dark meat contains a decent amount of fat, you know you’ll always end up with a tender, juicy result.
You can absolutely use boneless chicken breast or bone-in chicken thighs, but note that you’ll need to bake them longer. Bone in skin on chicken thighs take about 45 to 55 minutes to bake in the oven.
Avocado Oil: Adding flavor and ensuring the chicken stays nice and moist through the baking process, a little avocado oil ensures these lemon garlic baked chicken thighs are nice and tender and juicy. You can use a little bit of olive oil or vegetable oil instead of avocado oil if you prefer.
Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Adding bright tangy freshness to the chicken, lemon zest and lemon juice make this chicken nice and citrusy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic makes these chicken thighs an absolute dreamboat.
Paprika: Adding just a hint of sweet smoky flavor, paprika is an excellent spice to use on any form of animal protein to add a little something special.
Sea Salt: Flavor enhancer! Kosher salt brings out each of the individual flavors. Add some black pepper too if you like it!
Optional Additions: onion powder, garlic powder, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, your favorite dry rub, or bbq sauce are always major wins!
Let’s bake juicy chicken thighs for easy weeknight dinners!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs:
Add all of the ingredients for the baked chicken thighs to a zip lock bag. Seal the bag and give it a shake until the chicken is coated in the marinade.
Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator, but ideally 2 to 12 hours.
When you’re ready to bake the chicken, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place chicken thighs, including the marinade, to a large casserole dish and arrange them in a single layer.
Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect thighs, as the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the thighs and their temperature going into the oven.
For crispy skin, turn your oven on the High Broil setting and broil for 5 to 8 minutes, until crispy. The high heat will help crisp up the fatty bits of the thighs.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve the lemon garlic baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy. I recommend serving the chicken with Lemon Garlic Rosemary Rice and Roasted Vegetables or Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon or Roasted Green Beans for a low carb meal.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you prefer cooking using your air fryer, make my Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs.
More Healthy Chicken Recipes:
- Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Baked Blackened Chicken Thighs
- Easy Honey Garlic Chicken
- One Pot Creamy Chicken and Potatoes
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Enjoy this fresh and frisky baked chicken thighs recipe!
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs 8 thighs
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients for the baked chicken thighs to a zip lock bag. Seal the bag and give it a shake until the chicken is coated in the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator, but ideally 2 to 12 hours.
- When you’re ready to bake the chicken, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place chicken thighs, including the marinade, to a large casserole dish and arrange them in a single layer.
- Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect thighs, as the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the thighs and their temperature going into the oven.
- For crispy skin, turn your oven on the High Broil setting and broil for 5 to 8 minutes, until crispy. The high heat will help crisp up the fatty bits of the thighs.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Is good to receive new recipes
So happy you like it!
Can these be grilled
Absolutely! I would sear them over direct heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then move them to indirect heat (the less hot part of your grill) until they have cooked through. Hope you enjoy! xo
Could you use bone in, skin on, chicken thighs instead and how long would you bake them ?
Hi Mel! I’d bake at 400 for 45 to 55 minutes. You can broil the skin at the end to make it crispy too. 😀