Are you ready to wow your family with a dish that’s juicy and packed with flavor? Baked Garlic Herb Chicken is simple yet incredibly satisfying. With fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon, this recipe will elevate your weeknight dinners. Follow my easy step-by-step guide to create a perfect meal every time. I promise you’ll want to make it again and again! Let’s dive in and get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ cup chicken broth
When I prepare Baked Garlic Herb Chicken, I always use bone-in, skin-on thighs. They stay juicy and add great flavor. Fresh garlic and herbs like rosemary and thyme are key to this dish. They bring a bright taste and aroma. The lemon zest and juice add a nice tang. Olive oil helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika. The chicken broth keeps the chicken moist as it bakes.
Optional Garnishes
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– Lemon wedges for serving
I love to garnish my chicken with fresh parsley. It adds a lovely color and taste. Lemon wedges are great too. They give a fresh squeeze right before you eat. This makes every bite even better! If you want to learn more, check out the Full Recipe for all the steps and details.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To make a tasty marinade, start by mixing together the minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything until it blends well. This marinade gives your chicken a burst of flavor.
Marinating the Chicken
Next, take your chicken thighs and dry them with paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin. Coat the chicken well with the marinade in a bowl or ziplock bag. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for 2 hours in the fridge.
Searing the Chicken
Heat some olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the skin to turn golden brown and get crispy.
Baking the Chicken
After searing, flip the chicken thighs over. Pour in the chicken broth and transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 400°F. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is juicy and tender.
You can find the full recipe at the beginning of this article.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crispy Skin
To get that perfect crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs. Pat them with paper towels. This step is key. Moisture on the skin will steam the chicken, not crisp it.
Next, sear the chicken at the right heat. Use medium-high heat for the skillet. This helps the skin get golden brown. If the heat is too low, you won’t achieve that crunch.
Marinating Tips
Marinating adds great flavor. For the best taste, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, try for 2 hours in the fridge. The longer, the better!
If you have extra marinade, store it in the fridge. Use it within a day or two. Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken.
Checking Doneness
To ensure your chicken is safe to eat, check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C).
If it isn’t cooked through, return it to the oven. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check again until it reaches the right temperature. This way, you get a juicy, safe meal every time.
Variations
Herb Substitutions
You can change the herbs to fit your taste. If you want a milder flavor, use basil instead of rosemary. Oregano adds a nice touch too! Try mixing different herbs for fun. You can even use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use less.
Spice Variations
Want some heat? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. This will give your chicken a spicy kick. You can also try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Feel free to adjust the spice level to match your taste.
Cooking Methods
You can cook this chicken in other ways too! If you have a slow cooker, that works great. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook on low for six hours. If you like grilling, cook the chicken on a medium grill. This will give it a nice smoky taste. No matter how you cook it, the chicken will still be juicy and full of flavor!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container. Cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within two days. If you have lots of leftovers, divide them into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab when you’re hungry.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating chicken, keep it moist. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts, about 1-2 minutes, checking often. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy.
Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze baked chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. Always heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before eating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Boneless thighs will still hold great flavor, but they may not be as juicy as bone-in thighs.
What sides pair well with Baked Garlic Herb Chicken?
Many sides work well with Baked Garlic Herb Chicken. Here are some tasty options:
– Roasted vegetables, like carrots and broccoli
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
– Quinoa or rice pilaf for a grain option
– Garlic bread for a nice touch
These sides will enhance your meal and balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
How do I achieve the best flavor in the marinade?
To get the best flavor in your marinade, focus on these tips:
– Use fresh herbs for a bright taste.
– Let the chicken marinate longer; 2 hours is best.
– Add a splash of vinegar for extra tang.
– Zest the lemon for a bright, citrus note.
– Don’t skip the salt; it enhances all flavors.
These steps will help you create a rich, flavorful chicken that stands out.
Full Recipe
Looking for the detailed recipe of Baked Garlic Herb Chicken? Check the above sections for all ingredients and instructions!
In this blog post, we explored how to make Baked Garlic Herb Chicken. We covered the main ingredients you need, like chicken thighs, garlic, and fresh herbs. You learned the steps to prepare, marinate, sear, and bake the chicken for tasty results. I shared tips for crispy skin and variations to try. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating advice. Enjoying this dish can be easy and rewarding. Try making it your own with different herbs and spices. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking!
