This recipe article shares why lemon garlic roasted chicken thighs are the perfect Sunday dinner, lists everything you’ll need, gives you detailed step-by-step preparation, plus tips to guarantee golden skin and juicy meat every time. Along the way, I’ll point you to some of my favorite comfort food recipes on the site—because a cozy weekend always deserves options.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Lazy Sundays call for food that feels special yet doesn’t ask too much of you. That’s exactly why Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs live at the top of my weekend list. I remember the first time I made them on a quiet Sunday—lemon slices on the counter, garlic sizzling as the oven warmed, the aroma filling the kitchen long before the thighs finished roasting. The skin crisped, the lemon caramelized slightly, and the meat stayed tender and juicy. It was effortless comfort food that tasted like I’d put in hours of work.
Now, I reach for this recipe whenever I want a stress-free meal with a big payoff. Pairing these thighs with roasted veggies or even a bowl of Fall-Favorite Hearty Chili makes Sundays even cozier. One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—that’s my idea of a perfect weekend dinner.
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Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Golden, crispy Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs—juicy inside, zesty citrus flavor, and cozy comfort food perfect for Sundays.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: lemon slices and parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Line a baking tray with parchment or lightly oil.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub mixture generously over chicken thighs. Place skin-side up on tray. Add lemon slices if desired.
5. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until skin is golden and internal temp reaches 74 °C (165 °F).
6. Broil for an extra 2–3 minutes for crispier skin.
7. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
For deeper flavor, let chicken sit in the lemon garlic rub for 30 minutes before roasting.
Roast vegetables like potatoes or carrots on the same tray for a one-pan meal.
Reheat leftovers in the oven to keep skin crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken thighs, roasted chicken, lazy Sunday dinner
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: extra lemon slices and fresh parsley
Step by Step Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Line a baking tray with parchment or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry skin ensures crispier roasting.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken thighs. Place thighs skin-side up on the tray. Tuck extra lemon slices around the chicken if desired.
Step 5: Roast in the oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F). For extra crispy skin, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tip: This chicken goes beautifully with roasted potatoes or rice. For an extra hearty Sunday table, serve alongside my Best Beef Chili with Pantry Ingredients for a warm, family-style spread.
Secrets to Perfect Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Balance the Citrus and Garlic
Too much lemon can overwhelm, while too much garlic can turn bitter when roasted. The trick is balance—enough lemon for brightness, enough garlic for warmth. The zest and juice work together to bring out chicken’s natural savoriness.
Keep the Skin Crispy
Roasting at 400 °F ensures the fat renders beneath the skin, giving you that irresistible golden crunch. Always roast skin-side up, so it crisps instead of steaming.
Flavor Variations
Add Herbs for Depth
Thyme and oregano are classic choices, but rosemary works beautifully too. Sprinkle a sprig or two onto the tray and let the chicken roast on top for natural infusion.
Make it Spicy
If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade. The heat plays nicely against lemon’s tangy brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes—reduce the roasting time by about 10 minutes. Check for doneness at 20–25 minutes, since boneless thighs cook faster.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No long marinating is necessary, but letting the thighs sit with the lemon garlic rub for 30 minutes before roasting will deepen flavor.
Can I roast vegetables on the same tray?
Yes—add carrots, baby potatoes, or green beans around the thighs for a one-pan dinner. Just drizzle a little extra olive oil over the veggies before roasting.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep roasted chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat uncovered in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs prove that lazy Sundays deserve food that’s both easy and comforting. With just a handful of ingredients and one baking tray, you get crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavors that feel bright yet cozy. Serve this once, and it’ll quickly become a tradition for your slow weekend dinners—right up there with classic comfort recipes like Copycat Wendy’s Chili that always hit the spot.