Name: Baked Italian Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon

Introduction

Baked Italian chicken thighs are a simple, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With a crispy skin and aromatic herbs, this recipe brings classic Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort.

The image shows a white plate with seven golden brown roasted chicken thighs arranged in a circle, each piece crispy with a slightly charred, seasoned crust. The thighs sit in a shallow pool of light golden sauce with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a glimpse of a white plate with lemon wedges and green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4-6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful herb mixture.
Step 3: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub the herb mixture evenly over each piece, making sure to coat under the skin as well.
Step 4: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Squeeze the lemon juice directly over the chicken.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for a different flavor profile.
Marinate the chicken with the herb mixture and lemon juice for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor before baking.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the skin crispy, or microwave covered for quicker reheating but a softer skin.

How to Serve

The dish shows seven roasted chicken thighs placed closely together on a round white plate. The chicken skin is golden brown with a crispy texture, speckled with black pepper and herbs. The thighs sit in a shallow pool of light golden sauce that looks oily and flavorful. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top and around the chicken, adding a hint of color. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and in the top right corner, a partial view of lemon wedges and green herbs on another white plate is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs will work but bake for about 25-30 minutes, checking doneness as they cook faster than bone-in pieces.

Is it necessary to have the skin on?

The skin helps keep the chicken moist and adds a crispy texture. If you prefer skinless, the dish will still be flavorful but may not be as crispy.

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

This Baked Italian Chicken Thighs recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with classic Italian herbs and a bright lemon finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these chicken thighs are seasoned with oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a hint of lemon juice before being baked to crispy perfection.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4–6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)

Seasoning

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the chicken thighs evenly, creating a crispy skin and juicy interior.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the skin crisp up during baking.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, coating them evenly. Drizzle the lemon juice over the seasoned chicken for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Arrange for Baking: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, making sure they are spaced apart to allow even heat circulation.
Bake the Chicken: Put the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, flavorful meat.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs retain moisture better, but you can use boneless if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried at about three times the amount for more intense flavor.

Keywords: Italian chicken thighs, baked chicken, herb roasted chicken, easy chicken recipe, lemon chicken