Simple Lemon Chicken Recipe
A bright and flavorful Simple Lemon Chicken Recipe made with tender chicken thighs, fresh lemon slices, garlic, and olive oil. Roasted until golden and crisp, this easy dish delivers citrusy, savory comfort with minimal effort.
4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 medium bone-in skin-on chicken thighs approximately 1 1/2 pounds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 large lemon thinly sliced and deseeded
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and position a rack in the center. This ensures even heat distribution for proper browning.
Season the Chicken
- Generously season the chicken thighs on both sides with kosher salt. Set them aside at room temperature while preparing the remaining ingredients. This resting period promotes even cooking and enhanced flavor absorption.
Prepare the Baking Dish
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed sheet pan, combine the lemon slices, crushed garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss gently to coat the lemons and garlic evenly.
Add the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps properly. Arrange the thighs skin-side up over the lemon and garlic mixture. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and use your fingers to distribute it evenly across the skin.
Bake the Dish
- Bake the chicken for approximately 45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F, the lemons have softened, and the skin has become golden and crisp.
- If the skin has not reached the desired level of crispness, briefly broil the dish while monitoring closely to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the softened lemons, garlic, and pan juices spooned over each portion for optimal flavor.
Notes
This Simple Lemon Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. To ensure complete gluten-free preparation:
- Confirm that your kosher salt, spices, and olive oil are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur in some facilities.
- Use a gluten-free side dish if serving with rice blends, couscous alternatives, or packaged salads.
- Avoid any pre-marinated or pre-brined chicken unless labeled gluten-free.