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Baked Italian Chicken Thighs 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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the skin crisp up during baking.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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