Garlic-Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with aromatic garlic and bright lemon, finished with a golden crust. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice (squeezed from half the lemon).
  3. Step 3: Rub the olive oil mixture over all chicken thighs, ensuring every piece is coated.
  4. Step 4: Place thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Garlic-Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs?

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 Garlic-Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs?

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 Garlic-Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs 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.

Is Garlic-Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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