Papa Bear's Baked Italian Lemon Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of "Papa Bear's Baked Italian Lemon Chicken," a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are infused with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons, savory Italian seasoning, and a touch of smoky paprika, all baked to golden perfection in a bath of aromatic garlic and chicken broth. The result is tender, juicy chicken with irresistibly crispy skin, enhanced by a final garnish of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Ready in under an hour, this baked lemon chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing green salad. It’s a light, flavorful, and wholesome recipe that brings a taste of Italy straight to your table. Perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing meal!
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Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 whole fresh lemons
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit the chicken thighs in a single layer.
Step 2
Zest one of the lemons, then juice both lemons into a small bowl. Reserve both the zest and the juice for later.
Step 3
Mince the garlic cloves and mix them with the lemon juice, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Step 4
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them into the prepared baking dish, skin-side up.
Step 5
Pour the lemon juice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re coated well. Sprinkle the reserved lemon zest over the top for added flavor.
Step 6
Pour the chicken broth around the chicken thighs in the baking dish, being careful not to rinse off the seasoning on the chicken.
Step 7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 8
If the skin isn't crispy enough, broil the chicken on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 9
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Step 10
Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1335.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2442.7 |
| Total Fat 194.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 47.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 729mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3661.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 19.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.7g | |
| Protein 168.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 218.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2154.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories