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Easy Juicy Lazy Girl Summer Chicken Thighs Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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A simple, flavorful recipe for juicy, crispy skin chicken thighs perfect for lazy summer evenings. Quick to prepare and packed with bright lemon and smoky paprika flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed but left whole
  • 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
  4. Zest and juice the lemon; set aside.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs, add the smashed garlic cloves around them, and cook for 2 more minutes on the other side.
  8. Pour the lemon juice over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  9. Roast for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove the skillet carefully and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Do not rush the sear to get a golden crust. Use an oven-safe skillet to transfer directly from stovetop to oven. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Lemon juice is added after searing to avoid steaming the skin. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and reheat best in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, summer chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, juicy chicken, crispy skin chicken, smoked paprika chicken, lemon chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-juicy-lazy-girl-summer-chicken-thighs-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/