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Juicy rooster thighs are bursting with zesty Greek flavors on this recipe for Baked Lemon Rooster Thighs. Simple to make with easy substances, it’s your go-to wholesome, satisfying dish that’ll simplify your weeknight dinner routine!
Rooster thighs are a superhero in my kitchen—inexpensive, versatile, and at all times readily available once I want a fast, scrumptious dinner. I’ve dressed the juicy thighs in all types of enjoyable flavors, like smoky BBQ and fiery harissa, however once I want one thing just a little extra easy, I flip to those Baked Lemon Rooster Thighs.
Image succulent rooster thighs soaked in a vibrant and flavorful Greek-style marinade; it’s a one-way ticket on your style buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. As soon as the rooster thighs have soaked within the lemony, garlicky goodness, all that’s left to do is bake them to golden brown perfection. Voila! The style of Greece has arrived in your dinner plate.
Recipe options
- Prepping this vibrant and tangy rooster dinner is fast and straightforward, making it a brand new go-to for busy weeknight meals.
- Juicy rooster thighs are marinated in a lemon garlic marinade for daring Greek-inspired flavors.
- These straightforward baked lemon rooster thighs end up tender and juicy each time. Critically, you possibly can’t mess up this recipe!
Components
Rooster thighs – Skinless boneless rooster thighs are my favourite for baking. They keep moist and juicy, even when barely overcooked, making them extra forgiving than rooster breasts. You should utilize bone-in rooster thighs if you need however they’ll have to be baked for barely longer. Frozen rooster thighs additionally work, however keep in mind to thaw them within the fridge in a single day earlier than soaking them within the marinade.
Butter – It’s melted and used as the bottom of the marinade for plenty of richness. I want to make use of unsalted butter however salted can be utilized if that’s what you’ve gotten readily available. Simply scale back the surplus salt within the marinade.
Lemon juice – The co-starring ingredient! Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the marinated rooster a delightfully vibrant and tangy taste and helps tenderize the meat.
Dried herbs – I used dried oregano and thyme as a result of their earthy, natural flavors steadiness and complement the tangy lemon marinade.
Directions
Step 1: Make the marinade. Whisk the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, thyme, and floor black pepper in a bowl till mixed.
Step 2: Marinate the rooster. Place the rooster thighs in a plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade overtop, after which switch the rooster to the fridge to marinate.
Step 3: Bake and broil. Switch the marinated rooster to a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over high. Bake till the juices run clear, then end beneath the broiler for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Serve. Take the rooster out of the oven, let it relaxation for a couple of minutes, then slice and luxuriate in!
Suggestions and FAQs
- Attempt to use freshly squeezed lemon juice as an alternative of the bottled stuff. The contemporary and zesty flavors are onerous to beat!
- Marinate the rooster thighs for no less than 1 hour or a most of 12 hours for the very best taste.
- Don’t neglect about broiling! Ending the baked rooster thighs beneath the broiler for two or 3 minutes is the important thing to a golden brown crispy pores and skin. Simply don’t stroll away from the oven or else the rooster might go from golden and crispy to a burnt catastrophe.
Tip
After baking, set the rooster apart to relaxation for about 5 minutes. This provides the pure juices and flavors time to soak again into the meat.
Variations
- Briny issues – Add olives and capers to your lemon baked rooster thighs throughout the previous couple of minutes of baking to boost the Mediterranean flavors.
- For extra lemony goodness – Stir 1 to three teaspoons of lemon zest into the marinade or bake the rooster thighs with lemon slices within the pan.
- Customise the marinade – Strive incorporating totally different herbs, like rosemary, parsley, sage, and basil. Add a pinch of smoked paprika, crushed crimson pepper flakes, or cayenne for a touch of warmth. Or, make this lemon rooster thighs recipe with my Greek rooster marinade as an alternative.
- Prime with cheese – After baking, sprinkle the rooster with grated parmesan or feta, then end it beneath the broiler so the cheese can soften.
Serving solutions
I like to recommend serving this lemon butter rooster recipe over a mattress of mashed potatoes, potato wedges, quinoa, or couscous with one thing zesty on the facet, like my sun-dried tomato salad or zesty quinoa salad. Need to maintain it easy? Pair the rooster with sautéed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a easy inexperienced salad as an alternative.
How lengthy does it take to bake lemon rooster thighs?
This meal for six took roughly 25 minutes within the oven. Remember the fact that the cooking instances might fluctuate relying on the quantity of rooster thighs you’re cooking and their dimension and thickness. It’s at all times greatest to make use of a meat thermometer to examine that they attain a protected inside temperature of 165°F.
Can I grill the rooster thighs as an alternative?
Completely! Grill the lemon rooster thighs over medium-high warmth for six to eight minutes per facet or till they attain an inside temperature of 165°F. Brush them with the reserved marinade whereas grilling for additional taste.
Can I take advantage of rooster breasts as an alternative of rooster thighs?
You possibly can, however know that rooster breasts don’t have to bake as lengthy. Solely bake the rooster breasts for 18 to twenty minutes or till they attain a protected inside temperature of 165°F.
Storage
Fridge: Let the oven-baked lemon rooster thighs cool earlier than putting them in an hermetic container and storing them within the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Switch the thighs to an hermetic container or freezer bag and freeze for as much as 3 months. Thaw within the fridge in a single day earlier than reheating.
Simpler rooster dinners
When you made these lemon garlic rooster thighs, make sure to depart a remark and star ranking beneath. Thanks!
Baked Lemon Rooster Thighs
Juicy rooster thighs are bursting with zesty Greek flavors on this recipe for Baked Lemon Rooster Thighs. Simple to make with easy substances, it’s your go-to wholesome, satisfying dish that’ll simplify your weeknight dinner routine!
Servings:
Directions
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Soften the butter in a bowl or glass measuring cup, then add the lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, thyme, and pepper to the bowl and whisk.
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Place the rooster in a plastic storage bag, or in a shallow dish, then pour the marinade overtop. Place the rooster within the fridge and permit it to marinate for no less than 1 hour, or as much as 8 hours.
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While you’re able to bake, preheat the oven to 425° F. Place the rooster right into a 9×13 baking dish, then pour the marinade overtop. Bake the rooster for 25 minutes, then change the oven to BROIL and broil it for 2-3 minutes.
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Take away from the oven, slice and luxuriate in!
Notes
*Energy are per serving and are an estimation.
Diet
Serving: 1g | Energy: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 29g | Fats: 14g | Saturated Fats: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g | Monounsaturated Fats: 4g | Trans Fats: 0.3g | Ldl cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 583mg | Potassium: 392mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 287IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
