Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Baked Italian Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, flavorful bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs. Baked to golden perfection, these chicken thighs offer a succulent and aromatic main dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (3 pounds or 1½ kilograms)

Marinade

  • ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons unsalted Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Trim the chicken thighs of any excess skin and fat, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.
  2. Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large, heavy-duty ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly removing excess air, and massage the marinade gently into the meat to coat evenly. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours if time allows.
  4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to get it ready for baking the marinated chicken.
  5. Arrange Chicken for Baking: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade bag, discarding the excess marinade. Arrange the chicken skin-side up in a large baking dish or oven-proof skillet, ensuring they are not crowded to promote even cooking and browning.
  6. Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is browned and crisp, and the juices run clear when pierced. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature near the bone reaches 165ºF (75ºC) for safe consumption.
  7. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
  8. Serve: Serve the baked Italian chicken thighs garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh, tangy finishing touch.

Notes

  • Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You can use store-bought or homemade Italian seasoning.
  • Dried red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust according to your tolerance for spice.
  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor but even a short 30-minute marinade will produce tasty results.
  • Ensure not to overcrowd the baking dish to allow the chicken to cook evenly and crisp the skin well.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/baked-italian-chicken-thighs-recipe/