Baked Spiced Chicken Thighs with Lime and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs coated in a fragrant lime-garlic spice blend, roasted with cherry tomatoes and carrots for a vibrant one-pan meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Olive oil, Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, zest and juice of 1 lime, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Rub evenly over chicken.
  2. Step 2: Arrange chicken in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 1 cup baby carrots around the chicken. Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and vegetables are tender.
  3. Step 3: Rest 5 minutes before serving to let juices redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Spiced Chicken Thighs with Lime and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Spiced Chicken Thighs with Lime and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Spiced Chicken Thighs with Lime and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Spiced Chicken Thighs with Lime and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Spiced Chicken Thighs with Lime and Garlic?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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