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.
Jump to RecipeIna 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)

How To Make Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Coat the chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- 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.
- Add liquid and lemon slices: Pour in the white wine and chicken stock. Add lemon slices around the chicken and dot with butter.
- 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).
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, spoon pan juices over the chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley.

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

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 Chicken Stew And Biscuits Recipe
- Ina Garten Baked Risotto Recipe
- Ina Garten Linguine With Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes35
minutes430
kcalA bold and zesty chicken dish with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a buttery wine sauce—perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
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6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
-
Salt and pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp oregano
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
-
1 lemon, thinly sliced
-
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
-
½ cup chicken stock
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2 tbsp butter
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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.
