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    Home > Main Courses > Main Dishes Chicken > Crispy Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Crispy Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Published: Jul 22, 2012 · Modified: Nov 12, 2023 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs, roasted until crispy and infused with glorious lemon flavor. Oven baked, this is an incredibly easy and over the top delicious weeknight meal.

    lemon baked chicken thighs served with smashed potatoes and sliced watermelon

    When this Donna Hay Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe caught my eye I felt like I had landed on a gold mine. This recipe is so easy and so delicious, that its become a regular on our weeknight meal rotation. t’s really quite incredible.

    Does it get any easier than this? Chicken thighs are placed on three slices of lemon and baked until crispy.

    The lemon flavor that infuses into this chicken is astounding and actually a little unbelievable. Somewhat like magic. And served with a green bean side dish or some roasted potatoes and you’ve got yourself a beautiful meal.

    Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs are one of our favorite recipes. Why? Its just so darn easy and so darn delicious.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    • 8 Small Chicken Thighs. I like to purchase high quality small production chicken thighs. They will cost a little more than the large chicken thighs that come from the large factory chicken farms. For so many humane reasons, and for better flavor and texture, this is simply a better choice.
    • 2 large lemons: Sliced.
    • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Adding a drizzle of oil will simply help the meal stay moist and cook to a crispier state. Vegetable oil or canola oil will also work well here.
    chicken thighs on a sheet pan with lemons and olive oil
    Can I Make This Recipe With Chicken Breasts?

    First of all, chicken breasts are much larger than chicken thighs. You’d have to increase the amount of lemons for those breasts to rest on. And the cooking time would need to increase dramatically. The fat content of a chicken breast is much lower, meaning that the amount of fat that drizzles down on the lemon slices during the cooking time, is significantly lower. And that’s where the flavor comes from. The sizzling juices from the chicken thighs ignite and infuse the lemon flavor into the meat. I’d stick with chicken thighs for best results.

    Can I Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?

    Using bone in, skin on thighs are the best option for baked lemon chicken thighs. The skin produces fat which keeps the chicken thighs from drying out. The fat also drips onto the lemon slices which in turn allows the lemon to infuse it’s flavor into the meat. Save those boneless skinless thighs for brothy recipes like this Chickpea Soup Recipe or Grilled Chicken Thigh Tacos.

    Pro Tip: For best results, pat those chicken thighs dry before oven roasting. Removing as much excess moisture as you can will keep the skin from becoming soggy. The less steam involved in the cooking process, the crispier the chicken thigh.

    Easy Sides To Serve Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Since this recipe is such an easy weeknight dinner option, keep the sides simple. You’ve got a 30 minute bake time window to prepare your side dish or dishes.

    • I’d highly recommend this recipe for Microwave Cauliflower.
    • Or plan ahead and use your crock pot for these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Baked Potatoes.
    • And if you’re looking for a clever side dish salad, take a look at this Citrus Salad, which takes advantage of Winter fruit.

    Storage

    • Store any left overs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • Reheat leftovers in a 300 degree oven for about 15 minutes, or in an air-fryer for a few minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, that crispy skin will become a little soggy.

    Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

    I hope you give this super easy chicken thighs recipe a try. This recipe couldn’t be easier to prepare. There’s no frying, no browning, no marinating. Simply and straight forward, it’s a weeknight miracle meal.

    Crispy baked lemon chicken thighs on a sheet pan with lemon slices and pieces of fresh parsley

    More Lemon Chicken Recipes

    If you love the lemon chicken combination take a look at these recipes.

    • Lemon Chicken with Mushrooms
    • Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup
    • Chicken Dinner with Lemon Cream Sauce
    • Braised Chicken with Lemon Potatoes and Olives

    And if you’re looking for even more chicken recipes, don’t miss my Chicken Category. You’ll find lots of great recipes including the most popular on my site for Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. And write a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback.

    lemon baked chicken thighs served with smashed potatoes and sliced watermelon

    Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Roasted until crispy and infused with glorious lemon flavor, this is an easy weeknight meal.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course Chicken
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 572kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 8 chicken thighs bone in, skin on
    • 2 lemons washed and thin sliced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • salt and pepper to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees
    • Wash and thin slice the lemons.
    • On a sheet pan, place lemons, three at a time, overlapping each other. 
    • Place a single chicken thigh on each of group of lemon slices
    • Salt and pepper chicken thighs and drizzle each chicken thigh/lemon slice pile generously with olive oil. Roast at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until juices run clear and skin is crispy.

    Notes

    If the chicken thighs don’t crisp up to your liking, just put them under the oven broiler.
    Tips for Success
    • For best results, pat those chicken thighs dry before oven roasting. Removing as much excess moisture as you can will keep the skin from becoming soggy. The less steam involved in the cooking process, the crispier the chicken thigh. A paper towel works well here.
    • Line the sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
    • Using kitchen shears, trim any excess skin/fat from the chicken thighs. You’re baking these thighs at a high temperature and trimming will temper any flare ups in the oven.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 221mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs …It’s What’s for Dinner.

    Lea Ann Brown
    Lea Ann Brown

    Why Trust These Recipes? Lea Ann Brown has lived, worked and played in Colorado for 45 years. She has immersed herself in the Colorado Culinary space, is a Culinary School Graduate and publishes her Colorado food Blog, Cooking On The Ranch.

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    • Chicken Macaroni Salad on a round plate.
      Simply The Best Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe
    • Wilted spinach salad with grilled chicken tenders in a salad bowl.
      Grilled Chicken Wilted Spinach Salad
    • Pollo Asado on a red Le Creuset Platter.
      Easy Pollo Asado Recipe (Mexican Grilled Chicken)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emily C Earlywine says

      September 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm

      These crispy oven roasted lemon chicken thighs were SO easy and delicious. I’m all in for fast, easy meals and this fit the bill. Thanks, Lea Ann!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        September 15, 2023 at 6:38 am

        Thanks so much for your note Emily and so glad you liked this recipe. It’s a regular in our meal rotation. So easy and full of flavor.
        Make it a delicious day! Lea Ann

        Reply
    2. Scottee Meade says

      August 08, 2019 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night with Redbird chicken thighs. They were delicious, and the recipe is so simple. But I might leave off the EVOO next time, because we like crispier skin. It’s going into my regular rotation!

      Reply
    3. vianney says

      August 09, 2012 at 1:14 am

      great idea to use a pizza stone and thanks for another simple weeknight meal idea!!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        August 09, 2012 at 1:26 pm

        You’re welcome Vianney

        Reply
    4. Chris says

      July 26, 2012 at 6:41 pm

      I will try this on a pizza stone on the grill, I love the idea!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 28, 2012 at 7:03 am

        I think it would work great on the pizza stone. Fabulous idea. My oven was taking a beating from the grease.

        Reply
    5. Joanne says

      July 26, 2012 at 5:55 am

      Gotta love lemon in all it’s applications! Looks like a great, no-fuss meal!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 28, 2012 at 7:08 am

        It was a bit of a fuss, when the grease started splattering all over my oven… that’s when the foil came out to tent.

        Reply
    6. Mary says

      July 25, 2012 at 8:30 am

      What a lovely dish. I’m really fond of recipes that are next to no work to make. This sounds wonderful.Have a great day. Blessings…Mary

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 25, 2012 at 2:04 pm

        Thank you Mary. As always, so glad to have you stop by and taking the time to comment.

        Reply
    7. Jenn's Food Journey says

      July 25, 2012 at 6:38 am

      I just love no recipe recipes! Simple is best in my book.
      As for the iPad… I really want one and honestly, really only for using it in the kitchen!!!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 25, 2012 at 2:04 pm

        I use it for recipes, for photographing pieces of paper and keeping them on file on the Ipad, (I’m trying to go paperless) email …. it’s just the best.

        Reply
    8. Susan says

      July 24, 2012 at 7:50 pm

      Sounds delicious! I just got an iPhone last year and iPad is on my Very Much Want list.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 25, 2012 at 2:03 pm

        You’re going to love it Susan. I got mine for my birthday.

        Reply
    9. lisaiscooking says

      July 24, 2012 at 3:43 pm

      It just recently occurred to me that I could get Donna Hay magazine on y ipad and not have to wait months for them to appear on newsstands here. Love it. And, I love the simplicity of this chicken dish!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 25, 2012 at 2:02 pm

        So many of her recipes are so simple. This is my first exposure to Donna Hay. Love her magazine

        Reply
    10. Rhonda says

      July 24, 2012 at 11:18 am

      I adore, love, admire, envy, drool over Donna Hay! I got her first mag on my iPad but it’s 1st gen so I can’t get it anymore ;( I bought her Season’s cookbook…haven’t made a single recipe from it yet but I love to look at the photos…!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 24, 2012 at 3:11 pm

        I really had no idea what to expect, and I’m loving her easy recipes. And the format is outstanding on my new Ipad.

        Reply
    11. Cathy @ Noble Pig says

      July 23, 2012 at 4:24 pm

      I have always wanted Donna hay Mag but it’s so crazy expensive by delivery so getting it on a tablet is awesome. And what an easy way to make lemon chicken…my kids love lemon chicken so I will try it!!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 24, 2012 at 3:11 pm

        I think I paid $4.00 for it? Can’t remember for sure.

        Reply
    12. Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says

      July 23, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      Love lemon with chicken. This is a “must try.” We have an Ipad and subscribe to several magazines, but haven’t had the nerve to take it into the kitchen with me yet.

      I would love to know how to bookmark recipes on the Ipad and to make notes. Looks like I have a lot to learn…
      Sam

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 24, 2012 at 3:13 pm

        It’s easy Sam. When you’re on the recipe, just tap the top edge of the screen. Some icons will come up and there’s a little bookmark thingie. Voila

        Reply
    13. Larry says

      July 23, 2012 at 11:18 am

      Sounds delicious Lea Ann, and I love using pasta as the side.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 24, 2012 at 3:14 pm

        I have a new love for Angel Hair Pasta. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Barbara says

      July 23, 2012 at 6:30 am

      I’ve seen that app, Lea Ann, and will definitely look into it, but at the moment I still have a subscription to the mag. Will wait until that’s up and then download the app. So much simpler….and hopefully, cheaper.

      Reply
    15. Vickie says

      July 23, 2012 at 6:04 am

      5 stars
      What a great way to make chicken! You know me and lemon. 🙂 I love iPad magazines, too. I have the original iPad- so no retina display – still, magazines just pop. No more turning to the back to read the recipe or find the instructions. It’s perfect for travel, especially on airplanes.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 23, 2012 at 6:20 am

        We couldn’t believe the wonderful lemony flavor that came through, and just from the chicken sitting on the lemon slices??? The original recipe didn’t call for tenting with foil, but about 10 minutes in, I could tell my oven was becoming a mess with grease splatters. I reached in and loose tented the baking sheet. You may have to leave it uncovered for a bit to insure browning.

        Reply
    16. Karen Harris says

      July 23, 2012 at 5:40 am

      These thighs look amazingly simple and delicious. I don’t have an ipad or a subscription to F & W. I think I need to get with it and get both. Maybe Santa will pull through for me.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 23, 2012 at 6:17 am

        Karen, I’m sure Santa will pull through for you. 🙂 I like F&W recipes .. a lot. But I like Donna Hay recipes even better.

        Reply
    17. Jane says

      July 22, 2012 at 3:27 pm

      That chicken does sound super good and easy. I love lemon flavor, especially on chicken! I wish I had an ipad! That sounds like a great idea. I do know my life has never been the same since I got my iphone!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        July 23, 2012 at 6:15 am

        If you love your Iphone, you’re going to love an Ipad. You’ve got to try the chicken, it’s amazing and easy.

        Reply
    18. Karen says

      July 22, 2012 at 10:01 am

      This looks so good. I just love lemon with chicken.

      Reply

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    I'm Lea Ann, Welcome to my Colorado kitchen. I'm a Culinary School Grad with a passion to inspire you to cook as often as you can. Here you'll find Wild West Colorado inspired recipes along some Southwestern and Mexican food favorites. I also share some special recipes from school along pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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