Lemon-Glazed Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs roasted to golden perfection with a bright lemon glaze, accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skin-on, dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet. Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and 1 tsp dried thyme to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return chicken to skillet, skin-side up.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle with 1 lemon, juiced, and add 1/4 cup water. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Glazed Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Lemon-Glazed 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 Lemon-Glazed 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 Lemon-Glazed 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 Lemon-Glazed Chicken Thighs gluten-free?

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

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