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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs: Best Easy Lemon Herb Recipe

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Juicy, boneless skin-on chicken thighs baked at high heat with a zesty lemon herb butter. This recipe ensures shatteringly crisp skin and tender meat using a wire rack technique.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or olive oil)
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire cooling rack on top.
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and let sit on the rack for 10-15 minutes to dry-brine.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper until combined.
  4. After resting, pat chicken thighs dry again. Rub with neutral oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and additional salt.
  5. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack, ensuring they are not crowded. Spoon or brush the lemon herb butter generously over the top of each thigh.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and baste with pan juices and remaining butter. Return to oven.
  7. Continue baking for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. For dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil. Bone-in thighs can be used but will require longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, baked chicken, lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meals, gluten-free, high protein

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/crispy-baked-chicken-thighs-best-easy-lemon-herb-recipe/