Get ready to brighten up your weeknight meals with these 20 zesty lemon chicken thigh recipes! There’s nothing quite like the combination of juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and aromatic herbs to add some excitement to your dinner routine. From classic roasted chicken thighs infused with lemon zest to crispy, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a honey-lemon glaze, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy one-pan meal or a slow-cooked Sunday supper, these lemon chicken thigh recipes are sure to become new favorites. So why wait? Let the citrusy goodness of lemon take center stage in your kitchen with our collection of mouthwatering recipes below.
Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken thighs, this recipe combines the tanginess of lemon with the richness of honey and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with the honey-garlic mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your dinner table with this flavorful and aromatic roasted chicken thighs recipe, infused with the zesty goodness of lemon and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your meal with this simple and delicious recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, these baked chicken thighs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this bright and citrusy recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This one-pan wonder combines the richness of butter, the tanginess of lemon, and the comfort of chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until browned.
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add lemon juice, garlic, and thyme.
6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Return chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ with this flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for a summer evening or weekend gathering. The brightness of lemon and the earthiness of rosemary create a match made in heaven on these tender chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the lemon-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
A bright and citrusy twist on classic chicken parmesan, this recipe combines the flavors of lemon, garlic, and parmesan for a deliciously moist and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Dip each thigh in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker recipe. Tender chicken thighs smothered in a bright and tangy lemon sauce – it’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In the slow cooker, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Lemon Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Lemon Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs: A bright and tangy twist on classic chicken dishes, this recipe combines the richness of soy sauce with the zesty zip of lemon to create a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and salt.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with the glaze.
4. Drizzle vegetable oil over the top of the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs with Herbs
A flavorful and aromatic twist on classic chicken thighs, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon zest with the earthiness of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the lemon-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, skin crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this refreshing recipe that combines the tanginess of lemon and dijon mustard. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, these flavorful thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the lemon-Dijon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Basil Chicken Thighs with Potatoes
Brighten up your dinner table with this refreshing and flavorful dish, combining the zesty tang of lemon with the subtlety of basil. This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and basil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush with the lemon-basil mixture.
4. Arrange potato wedges around the chicken.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
Spicy Lemon Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your mealtime with this flavorful and spicy twist on classic chicken thighs! This recipe combines the zesty kick of lemon with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, all wrapped in a crispy, herby crust.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each thigh.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
Brighten up your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful and aromatic dish. Tender chicken thighs are infused with the warmth of thyme and the brightness of lemon, served alongside a medley of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large yellow squash, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with the lemon mixture.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss bell pepper, zucchini, and squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread vegetables around the chicken and continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 45-55 minutes
Lemon Ginger Chicken Thighs
Lemon Ginger Chicken Thighs: A Bright and Zesty Twist on a Classic Dish!
This recipe combines the bold flavors of ginger and lemon with the tender juiciness of chicken thighs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush both sides with the ginger-lemon mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with parsley leaves, if desired. Serve hot!
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Lemon Paprika Chicken Thighs
Lemon Paprika Chicken Thighs Recipe
A bright and citrusy twist on traditional chicken thighs, this recipe combines the warmth of paprika with the zesty freshness of lemon for a dish that’s both flavorful and elegant.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush the lemon-paprika mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and crispy on the outside.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your mealtime with this tangy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Tarragon Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your dinner routine with this zesty lemon tarragon chicken thighs recipe. The combination of tangy lemon, subtle anise-like flavor from tarragon, and crispy skin will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp chopped fresh tarragon leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped tarragon.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the lemon-tarragon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4
Lemon Mustard Chicken Thighs with Greens
Lemon Mustard Chicken Thighs with Greens: Brighten up your dinner plate with this tangy and savory recipe that combines the flavors of lemon, mustard, and fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bunch fresh spinach or kale
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brush them evenly with the lemon-mustard mixture.
4. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove from oven and top each thigh with fresh greens (spinach or kale). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Cilantro Chicken Thighs
Lemon Cilantro Chicken Thighs: A Bright and Flavorful Twist on Classic Chicken
These citrusy and herbaceous chicken thighs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. The bright flavors of lemon and cilantro pair beautifully with the richness of chicken, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with the lemon-cilantro mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each thigh.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Turmeric Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your dinner plate with this vibrant and flavorful recipe! Lemon and turmeric bring out the natural sweetness of chicken thighs, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated turmeric
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, turmeric, and salt.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish. Brush the lemon-turmeric mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and tender.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to add some zing to your weeknights with these 20 mouthwatering lemon chicken thigh recipes! From classic honey garlic and lemon herb roasted, to one-pan wonders like lemon butter chicken and slow cooker favorites like lemon soy glazed, there’s something for everyone. Spice up your meals with spicy lemon chicken or try a twist with flavors like rosemary and thyme. With a variety of cooking methods and flavor combinations, you’ll never get bored with these zesty and delicious recipes perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
