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Baked Italian Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.3 from 30 reviews

This Baked Italian Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and classic Italian herbs, then baked to perfection with crispy skin. It’s a simple yet delicious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)

Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade that will tenderize and season the chicken.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bowl or a resealable bag, pouring the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
  4. Arrange Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and arrange the thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. This positioning helps achieve a crispy skin during baking.
  5. Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  6. Serve: Serve the chicken warm, drizzling any leftover marinade over the top for extra flavor. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
  • For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • This recipe works well with skinless chicken thighs, but cooking time may vary slightly.
  • Leftover chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

Keywords: Italian chicken thighs, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, herb marinated chicken, healthy chicken dinner