Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs & Potatoes Recipe – Easy Bake

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs & Potatoes Recipe – Easy Bake

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s become a real weeknight staple in my kitchen. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, flavorful, and the best part? Everything cooks together in one pan! This Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs & Potatoes recipe is seriously a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken and potatoes dish. The bright, zesty lemon combined with fragrant garlic and earthy thyme creates a flavor explosion. Plus, the chicken thighs get beautifully crispy while staying incredibly juicy. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy night in, or even a casual weekend gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs & Potatoes magic happen:

• 8 skin-on & bone-in chicken thighs
• 100 grams (about ½ cup) butter, softened
• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoon lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)
• 5-6 medium potatoes, cubed
• 2 large lemons, sliced
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Chicken Thighs: Seriously, don’t skimp on the skin-on, bone-in thighs. The skin gets wonderfully crispy, and the bone adds so much flavor and keeps the meat moist. Trust me on this one!
• Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest is key. It has a brightness that bottled juice just can’t match. Plus, the oils in the zest are where a lot of the lemon flavor lives.
• Thyme: I love using dried thyme for convenience, but if you have fresh, even better! In some parts of India, particularly the North-East, you’ll find local herbs used similarly – sometimes even wild thyme varieties. Feel free to experiment!
• Potatoes: I usually use Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well during baking. But honestly, any potato you like will work.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Pat those chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is important for getting crispy skin! Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, and lemon zest. This is your flavor bomb!
4. Rub that glorious butter mixture all over the chicken thighs, getting some under the skin too. Don’t be shy!
5. In a baking dish, arrange the cubed potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the lemon slices amongst the potatoes.
6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the potatoes.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Optional: If you want extra crispy skin, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with those delicious pan juices.

Expert Tips

• Crispy Skin Secret: Making sure the chicken skin is dry before seasoning is the biggest trick to getting it super crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give the chicken and potatoes some space in the baking dish. Overcrowding will steam them instead of roasting.
• Temperature Check: A meat thermometer is your best friend! It’s the most accurate way to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your thyme and any other seasonings you use.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves a little heat, so she adds a pinch of red chili flakes to the butter mixture. It’s fantastic!
• Festival Adaptation: This is perfect for a cozy Christmas or winter meal. I sometimes add a sprig of rosemary to the butter for a festive touch. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs & Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few sides that go beautifully with it:

• A simple green salad
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted asparagus
• A dollop of plain yogurt (a nod to Indian flavors!)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
• Can I use different potatoes for this recipe? Absolutely! Russet, red, or Yukon Gold potatoes all work well.
• Can this be made ahead of time? You can prep the butter mixture and cube the potatoes ahead of time. But I recommend assembling and baking it fresh for the best results.
• How can I adjust the garlic flavor? Feel free to use more or less garlic to your liking. Roasted garlic would also be amazing!
• What if I don’t have fresh thyme? Dried thyme works perfectly fine! Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every tablespoon of fresh.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what you think!