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Lemon Herb Chicken

5 from 4 votes
Easy Lemon Herb Chicken recipe: Juicy bone-in thighs marinated in lemon and herbs, baked to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

Method
 

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the lemon herb marinade. Turn them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or 4 hours for more flavor.
  3. About 15 minutes before you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to an 8x8 inch baking dish, skin side up. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
  5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of each of the chicken pieces reaches 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
  6. If you want crispier, golden brown skin, switch the oven to broil. Transfer the juices to a separate container and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Remove your easy lemon herb chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chicken thighs: Offer rich flavor and stay juicy through cooking. Their higher fat content compared to breasts ensures that you have tender chicken instead of dry chicken. Boneless skinless chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken breasts, a whole chicken or chicken breasts can replace bone-in thighs, though their cooking times may vary.
Olive oil: Serves as the base for the marinade, helping to distribute flavors and promote browning. Avocado oil can substitute for olive oil.
Garlic and onion powders: Provide aromatic depth without the need for fresh mincing. Fresh minced garlic and onion can replace their powdered forms for more intense and fresh flavors.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Gives the chicken a zesty kick and subtle heat. A mix of lemon zest and black pepper can stand in for lemon pepper seasoning.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing this dish together.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and herbaceous notes to the juicy chicken thighs. Dried parsley can be used instead of fresh in a pinch.