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Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

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.

Casserole dish with baked boneless lemon garlic chicken thighs with sliced of lemon and green onion.

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!

horizontal top down image of a large casserole dish of chicken thighs

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.

Large black casserole dish with lemon garlic boneless skinless chicken thighs

If you prefer cooking using your air fryer, make my Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

More Healthy Chicken Recipes:

Enjoy this fresh and frisky baked chicken thighs recipe!

Casserole dish with baked boneless lemon garlic chicken thighs with sliced of lemon and green onion.

Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are so easy to prepare and a perfect go-to for meal prepping for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
8 Servings

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.
    Ingredients for lemon garlic chicken breasts in a zip lock bag
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator, but ideally 2 to 12 hours.
    Zip lock bag with marinated chicken thighs inside
  • 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.
    Raw chicken thighs in a casserole dish
  • 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.
    Chicken thighs fresh out of the oven in a baking dish.
  • 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.
    horizontal top down image of a large casserole dish of chicken thighs

Nutrition

Serving: 1Thigh (of 8) - Calories: 180kcal - Protein: 21g - Fat: 10g
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked chicken, baked chicken thighs recipe, boneless skinless chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs, easy chicken recipes, keto recipe, lemon garlic baked chicken thighs, low-carb recipes, paleo recipes
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 180kcal
Author: Julia
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

collage for lemon garlic baked chicken thighs

Recipe Rating




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Marisol

Sunday 22nd of May 2022

Is good to receive new recipes

Julia

Wednesday 25th of May 2022

So happy you like it!

LO

Wednesday 18th of May 2022

Can these be grilled

Julia

Saturday 21st of May 2022

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

Mel

Tuesday 17th of May 2022

Could you use bone in, skin on, chicken thighs instead and how long would you bake them ?

Julia

Tuesday 17th of May 2022

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. :D

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