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Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Easy Recipe with Fresh Lemon

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy baked chicken thighs infused with garlic butter and fresh lemon zest, creating a juicy, flavorful, and comforting meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 1 large fresh lemon, thinly sliced
  • Zest from half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly oil a cast-iron skillet.
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, smoked paprika, onion powder, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin is as dry as possible.
  4. Gently loosen the skin of each thigh by sliding your fingers or a spoon under it to create a pocket, being careful not to tear the skin.
  5. Spoon about a tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture under the skin of each thigh, spreading it evenly. Rub any remaining butter on top of the skin.
  6. Place 1-2 thin lemon slices on top of each chicken thigh, pressing lightly so they stick during baking.
  7. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and season lightly again with salt and pepper.
  8. Bake the chicken in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Halfway through (around 15 minutes), check the color. If the skin isn’t browning enough, switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be deeply golden and crisp.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before cooking for best crispiness. Spread garlic butter under the skin to lock in moisture and flavor. Use high heat (425°F) for roasting and broil briefly if needed to crisp skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Rest chicken before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter but flavor and texture will differ.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy skin chicken

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-baked-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe-with-fresh-lemon/