Description
This Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken is bursting with zesty citrus, savory garlic, and fresh herbs. Juicy, golden, and simple to make—it’s a comforting and flavorful main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
2 ½ to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
2 lemons (zest and juice of 1, 1 sliced)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
¾ cup chicken broth
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
3. Rub the mixture evenly over all chicken pieces.
4. Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish in a single layer.
5. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Cut the second lemon in half or slices and place among the chicken.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve with pan juices spooned over top.
Notes
Great served with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
You can prep the chicken with marinade up to 8 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 pieces
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner, roasted chicken thighs