Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

$- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making crispy lemon garlic chicken, the ingredients play a key role. First, I choose chicken thighs. The skin adds great flavor and keeps the meat juicy. I always use bone-in thighs for the best taste. Next, I grab olive oil and garlic. These two meld together well, giving the chicken a rich flavor. Lemon is essential. I use the zest and juice. The zest adds brightness, while the juice gives a tangy kick. Dried oregano provides an earthy note, balancing the flavors perfectly. For the coating, I reach for paprika. It adds color and a hint of spice. I also season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Finally, I coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch. I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness. This mix creates a dish that is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Check the full recipe for more details on preparation and cooking. To make the marinade, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine these items: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all these well until blended. This mix will add great flavor to the chicken. Next, take your chicken thighs. Coat them in the marinade you just made. Make sure each piece is well covered. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes. You can also marinate them overnight for even better taste. This time allows the chicken to soak up all that lemony goodness. Now, it’s time for the crispy part. Place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take each marinated chicken thigh and let the extra marinade drip off. Then, coat each thigh evenly with the breadcrumbs. Press gently to make them stick well. Lay the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top. This helps them get extra crispy. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step is key for keeping it juicy. You can find the full recipe details above if you want to make it yourself! To get that perfect crunch, start with skin-on chicken thighs. The skin adds texture and flavor. Before you bake, drizzle a little extra olive oil on the chicken. This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven. Marinating chicken is key for flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply, making your chicken even tastier. For a beautiful dish, serve your crispy chicken on a large platter. Add lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This gives your meal a bright and vibrant look. Pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can use other cuts of chicken for this dish. Chicken breasts or wings work well. Breasts offer a leaner option, while wings add fun and flavor. If you choose breasts, cook them for less time. Aim for 25-30 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Wings will need about 30-35 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Add fresh herbs or spices to change the taste. Thyme and rosemary pair nicely with lemon. You can mix them into the marinade. Fresh herbs bring a bright flavor. Try adding a teaspoon of dried herbs if fresh isn't available. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference. While this recipe shines with lemon, you can explore other citrus. Lime gives a zesty twist, while orange adds sweetness. Use the same amount of juice and zest as you would for lemon. Each citrus will change the taste but keep it fresh. This makes the dish fun and allows for creativity. To store leftovers, let your chicken cool down first. Once it's cool, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze your chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag. This protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat your chicken and keep it crispy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes. This helps restore the crunch. You can also use an air fryer for about 10 minutes. Both methods work well for reheating. For the best taste, avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. You can marinate chicken thighs for 30 minutes to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken absorbs. A quick 30-minute soak gives a nice taste. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight. Just remember, don't go over 24 hours. The chicken can get mushy if left too long. Yes, you can use boneless chicken. Boneless chicken cooks faster than bone-in thighs. Check the internal temperature after 25 to 30 minutes. The texture will be a bit different, too. Bone-in thighs stay juicy and tender. Boneless pieces can dry out if overcooked. Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken goes great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic mashed potatoes for comfort - Quinoa or rice to soak up the juices - Lemon wedges for an extra zing These sides will enhance your meal and make it even tastier! For more details on the dish, refer to the Full Recipe. You now know how to make Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, from juicy chicken thighs to vibrant flavor enhancers. You also learned the best steps for marinating, coating, and baking. Crispiness tips and serving ideas will boost your dish. You can even try variations with different cuts and flavors! This recipe is simple and fun for any cooking level. Enjoy your tasty meal with friends or family.$

Delight your taste buds with this Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe that's perfect for dinner! Made with juicy chicken thighs coated in a zesty marinade of garlic, lemon, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection, this dish is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you'll have a mouthwatering meal ready in just an hour. Click through now to explore the recipe and elevate your dinner game!

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Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take each marinated chicken thigh, allowing excess marinade to drip off, then coat each piece evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing slightly to adhere.

Lay the coated chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the chicken for additional crispiness.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy chicken on a large platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant look. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.