Italian Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lemon

Italian chicken thighs with garlic and lemon are marinated with rosemary, oregano, and smoked paprika, then pan-seared until juicy and golden. With only 15 minutes of hands-on time, this easy skillet dinner is perfect to marinate ahead and cook quickly on a busy weeknight.

Recipe Developer-Estefania

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

1 5

Total Time 1 20

Ingredients

▢ 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs or bone in

For the Marinade

▢ 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
▢ 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
▢ 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
▢ 1 sprig rosemary finely chopped
▢ 1 tablespoon dry oregano
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 50 ml extra virgin olive oil, 3 cloves garlic , minced, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp dry oregano, 1 sprig rosemary, chopped, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Add 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs and turn until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lift the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the chicken to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Fresh Lemon and Garlic: I use fresh lemon juice and garlic because they give the marinade a brighter, cleaner flavour than bottled lemon juice or garlic powder.

Do Not Over-Marinate: One hour is enough for the chicken to take on plenty of flavour. I do not leave it longer than 4 hours because the lemon can start to change the texture.

Oven Option: To bake the chicken, arrange the marinated thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet and bake at 425°F / 220°C for 18 to 22 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F / 74°C.

Grill Option: I grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until lightly charred and cooked through to 165°F / 74°C.

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