The Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe is bright, juicy and full of flavor. The chicken cooks tender and golden in the oven.
Fresh lemon adds a clean, zesty taste. Herbs make it smell amazing. This dish feels fancy but is very easy.
If you want to learn How to make Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs, this guide is perfect. I will also share the exact Ingredients for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs and helpful tips for best results.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first cooked this dish on a busy weekday evening. I wanted something simple but tasty. The lemon aroma filled my kitchen fast.
The chicken came out juicy with crispy skin. My family loved the fresh flavor. I served it with roasted vegetables and the plate was clean.
Since then, this Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of my favorites for easy dinners.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on – 6 pieces
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh lemons – 2, sliced
- Lemon juice – 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 4, minced
- Fresh thyme – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh rosemary – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and crisp the skin well.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin turn golden and crispy while baking.
3. Make the Lemon Marinade
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary until well combined.
4. Coat the Chicken
Place chicken in the baking dish. Pour marinade over the chicken. Rub it well on all sides.
5. Add Lemon Slices
Arrange lemon slices around and over the chicken. Pour chicken broth into the dish carefully.
6. Bake the Chicken
Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes. Chicken should be golden and fully cooked.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and rest for five minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Use bone-in thighs for more flavor.
- Always preheat the oven fully.
- Pat chicken dry for crispy skin.
- Use fresh lemons, not bottled juice.
- Spoon pan juices over chicken before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low oven heat, which makes skin soggy.
- Skipping the resting time after baking.
- Overcrowding the baking dish.
- Using dried lemon slices instead of fresh.
- Overbaking, which dries the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lemon chicken thighs with roasted potatoes or rice. Steamed green beans or asparagus work well.
You can also serve with crusty bread to soak the lemon sauce. This dish is great for family dinners or guests.
Variations You Can Try
- Add sliced onions for extra sweetness.
- Use oregano instead of rosemary.
- Add capers for a salty kick.
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes.
- Use boneless thighs for faster cooking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Keep refrigerated for up to three days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for best texture.
- Microwave gently if short on time.
- Add a little broth when reheating to keep moist.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Health Benefits
Chicken thighs provide protein for muscle health. Lemon adds vitamin C and boosts flavor naturally. Olive oil gives healthy fats.
Fresh herbs add antioxidants. This meal is filling and balanced when served with vegetables.
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on – 6 pieces
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh lemons – 2 sliced
- Lemon juice – 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 4 minced
- Fresh thyme – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh rosemary – 1 tablespoon chopped
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and crisp the skin well.
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin turn golden and crispy while baking.
Make the Lemon Marinade
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary until well combined.
Coat the Chicken
- Place chicken in the baking dish. Pour marinade over the chicken. Rub it well on all sides.
Add Lemon Slices
- Arrange lemon slices around and over the chicken. Pour chicken broth into the dish carefully.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes. Chicken should be golden and fully cooked.
Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven and rest for five minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in thighs for more flavor.
- Always preheat the oven fully.
- Pat chicken dry for crispy skin.
- Use fresh lemons, not bottled juice.
- Spoon pan juices over chicken before serving.
FAQs about Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless thighs work well. Reduce baking time by ten minutes and check for doneness early.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to eight hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but breasts cook faster and may dry out. Reduce cooking time and watch closely.
What if I do not have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs. Use half the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe is simple, fresh and full of flavor. Now you know How to make Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs easily at home.
The Ingredients for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs are simple and easy to find. This dish is perfect for busy nights or relaxed family dinners. Try it once, and it will become a regular on your table.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!