Enjoy this easy and quick recipe for Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs.

I really enjoy cooking with chicken thighs. Whether they are in a casserole or grilled, chicken thighs are a wonderfully versatile protein to use.

Baked lemon butter chicken thigh garnished with green onion

Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

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Chicken thighs are inexpensive to purchase and great to use when on a budget. They are easy to work with and if marinated or seasoned correctly, taste phenomenal.

The prep time for this Baked Lemon Chicken Thigh recipe is literally 5 minutes. 10 minutes if you count clean up 🙂 While the chicken is baking, prepare a side and a salad and dinner is ready. Once baked the lemon butter spread melts, combines with the juices from the chicken thighs and melts in your mouth with tenderness and flavor.

This is a perfect recipe to prepare and freeze for busy evenings. Prepare everything according to instructions and freeze the baked lemon chicken thighs. Just be sure to completely thaw the thighs before baking.

Baked lemon butter chicken thighs in a dish with lemon slices and a spoon

TIPS: How to Make Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

  • The butter needs to be at room temperature or else it will not mix well with the lemon juice.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry before spreading the lemon butter mixture.
  • Keep an eye on the chicken. The size of the thighs may slightly alter the baking time. You want the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Overbaking the chicken will dry the chicken thighs and they will not be as appetizing.
  • Before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the baked lemon thighs (optional).
  • Be sure to use a rimmed baking dish. The chicken will produce juices that you don’t want overflowing into your oven – that would not be good!

Baked lemon butter chicken thighs in a yellow casserole dish with lemon slices and a spoon

Mashed potatoes, pasta or rice are great side options to enjoy with these Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs. The buttery garlic juice is so delicious! Makes you want to just take a piece of fresh homemade bread and dip it into the buttery juices as a dip (do it! no judgment here!)

Can I Substitute a Different Cut of Chicken?

  • Bone-in chicken thigh may be used instead of the chicken thighs. If the chicken thighs purchased are larger in size, the baking time will increase. Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of the cooking. Then, remove foil and continue cooking until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. For proper reading, don’t measure near the bone.
  • Chicken breast may also be used instead of the chicken thighs if desired. Chicken breast tends to cook quicker and the timing will depend on the size of the chicken breast. Determine the doneness of the chicken breast with a cooking thermometer. If the chicken breast is held longer than needed, it will become dry.

Baked lemon butter chicken thighs on a plate with green onions

I hope you enjoyed the recipe for Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs! We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments.

Baked lemon butter chicken thighs on a plate with green onions
4.84 from 6 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs

This easy and quick Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe makes juicy and tender chicken baked with butter and lemon. It's the perfect easy dinner.
Pin Review Print
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients  

  • 6 chicken thighs skinless & boneless
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 1 ½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Lemon slices optional
  • Green Onion optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Combine butter, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. In a small ramekin, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Pat chicken thighs dry. Lightly season bottom side of thighs with seasoning. Add to baking dish. Coat thighs with the butter/lemon mixture (spread with a butter knife).
  • Add seasoning generously over chicken thighs.
  • Bake 35-45 minutes or until tops of thighs are golden crispy.
  • Garnish with lemon slices and green onion, optional.
4.84 from 6 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 348mg | Potassium: 237mg | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 1.5mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American

©The Shortcut Kitchen. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

 

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Baked lemon chicken thighs on a plate and in a dish with writing
Baked lemon chicken thighs in a yellow casserole dish with green onion and lemon

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About the author

Valentina is a busy wife and mom of five children. She immigrated from Ukraine to the US as a young girl. Growing up, she was accustomed to foods of the Russian (European) cuisine. When she got married and had her own kitchen, she really started to experiment with different foods and cuisines and fell in love with creating recipes combining unique flavors. She now runs a blog, Valentina’s Corner, where she shares her passion and love for from-scratch food, creating content and sharing it with others
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Comments

  1. I haven’t made this yet but it sounds delicious! I would like to know if you use skinless thighs. The photographs look like the thighs still have the skin on. Thank you!

    Reply