3-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This 3-Ingredient Lemon Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner. With just lemon, garlic, and olive oil enhancing juicy chicken thighs, it’s a bright and comforting meal that requires minimal prep.

Ingredients

• 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced (around 1/8 inch) and deseeded
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450ºF and place a rack in the middle position.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken thighs liberally with kosher salt on both sides and set them aside at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Step 3: In a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet, combine the lemon slices, crushed garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss to evenly coat.
4. Step 4: Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the chicken thighs in the baking dish, pressing the skin to the sides to help it crisp up. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and rub it evenly across the skin.
5. Step 5: Bake the chicken at 450ºF until fully cooked, the skin is golden and crispy, and the lemons are softened, about 45 minutes. If the chicken is done but the skin needs extra crispness, place under the broiler until desired color is reached.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Serve each thigh with plenty of the softened lemons, garlic, and pan sauce spooned on top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the salt and olive oil for 30 minutes before baking.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best texture and juiciness.
• Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pan for an aromatic twist.
• Swap lemon for orange or lime slices for a different citrus note.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave, covering loosely to prevent drying out. Avoid reheating under high heat to keep the skin from becoming tough.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs work, but cooking time will be shorter. Check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165ºF. The juices should run clear, and the skin should be crisp and golden brown.

3-Ingredient Lemon Chicken Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

This 3-Ingredient Lemon Chicken recipe combines juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with vibrant lemon slices, garlic, and olive oil to create a flavorful, crispy-skinned dish baked to perfection. It’s an easy, quick, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or a simple dinner that feels gourmet.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Lemon and Garlic

• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced (around 1/8 inch) and deseeded
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

Oils

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450ºF and place a rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
2. Season the Chicken: Liberally season both sides of the chicken thighs with kosher salt. Allow them to rest at room temperature while preparing the other ingredients.
3. Prepare Lemon and Garlic: In a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet, combine the lemon slices, crushed garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss gently to mix and coat evenly.
4. Add Chicken and Oil: Pat the chicken skin dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the thighs in the baking dish over the lemon and garlic mixture, pulling the skin slightly away from underneath so it crisps up during baking. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and massage it into the skin for an even coating.
5. Bake: Bake the chicken at 450°F for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, skin is golden and crispy, and lemons soften. If the chicken is done but the skin isn’t fully crispy, broil briefly to your desired level of crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Serve each thigh topped with the softened lemon slices, garlic, and pan juices for a bright, flavorful finish.

Notes

• Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures juicy meat and crisp skin.
• Patting the chicken skin dry before oiling helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Deseeding the lemon slices prevents bitterness during baking.
• Broiling at the end is optional but helps improve the skin texture if needed.
• Letting the chicken rest after baking allows juices to redistribute for moist meat.

Keywords: lemon chicken, 3 ingredient chicken, baked chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, crispy chicken skin