Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

This Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe is a juicy and flavorful recipe, which uses bone-in chicken thighs and fresh lemon. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in 45 minutes.

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Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
  3. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  4. Coat the chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
  5. Sear the chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for 2 more minutes.
  6. Add liquid and lemon slices: Pour in the white wine and chicken stock. Add lemon slices around the chicken and dot with butter.
  7. Roast in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, spoon pan juices over the chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use boneless thighs?
    Yes, reduce the cooking time slightly since boneless thighs cook faster.
  • What if I don’t have wine?
    Substitute with extra chicken stock or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
  • How do I get crispy skin?
    Be sure to thoroughly dry the chicken before searing and avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Can I make this in advance?
    Yes, sear the chicken and prep everything ahead. Roast right before serving.
  • What pan works best?
    Use a cast iron or oven-safe stainless steel skillet for best results.

What To Serve With Lemon Chicken Thighs

This citrusy chicken dish pairs well with simple, savory sides like:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Herb rice pilaf
  • Roasted asparagus or green beans
  • Orzo with parmesan and herbs
  • Crusty bread to soak up pan juices
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

How To Store Lemon Chicken Thighs

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Freeze:
Freeze fully cooked and cooled chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Lemon Chicken Thighs Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 540mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but reduce the cook time to prevent drying out.

Is this recipe spicy?
Only slightly if using red pepper flakes. You can skip them for a milder flavor.

What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.

Can I grill this recipe instead?
Yes, grill the marinated thighs and baste with lemon sauce as they cook.

Try More Recipes:

Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

430

kcal

A bold and zesty chicken dish with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a buttery wine sauce—perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)

  • ½ cup chicken stock

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Mix marinade ingredients and rub over chicken.
  • Sear chicken skin-side down in hot skillet until golden. Flip.
  • Add wine, stock, lemon slices, and butter.
  • Roast 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve with pan juices.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.