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Juicy chicken thighs marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, then roasted to a perfect golden crisp. A quick, flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Zest lemons before slicing and juicing them.
  3. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
  5. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
  6. Let chicken marinate about 10 minutes (or longer, if desired).
  7. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
  8. Pour leftover marinade over the chicken.
  9. Roast in the oven for 35–45 minutes, checking halfway to spoon pan juices over the chicken if desired.
  10. Optionally, near the end of roasting, brush a little honey on the skin and broil briefly for a sticky finish.
  11. Continue roasting until the skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  12. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
  13. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Marinating overnight does not significantly change flavor, so 10 minutes suffices., For extra sauce, double olive oil and lemon juice for a lovely drizzle., Drumsticks can be substituted for thighs; breast meat may dry out if not carefully cooked., Grilling is possible with well-oiled grates but may lose crispy skin., Best cooked in a baking dish, cast-iron skillet, or rimmed baking sheet to catch juices., Pair with rice, couscous, steamed vegetables, pita with yogurt, or potatoes tossed in pan before roasting., Avoid lower oven temperatures to preserve crispy skin and properly cook garlic., Quick marinade helps flavor; do not skip entirely., Zest lemon before juicing to ease preparation., Garlic smell can be removed by rubbing hands on stainless steel under running water.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 25 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams per serving
  • Protein: 28 grams per serving