Easy Lemon Thyme Chicken

This easy-to-make recipe uses budget-friendly chicken thighs and gets a burst of flavor from fresh lemons and thyme. It will become a new family favorite!

by Farmers' Almanac Staff Updated: September 28, 2022

When we suggested a recipe contest in 2016 using lemons, our readers proved there’s a lot more than lemonade you can make with them! We received over 100 yummy recipes and we had a delicious time making and tasting them. We narrowed it down to the top three.

This recipe earned 2nd place ($150 cash!), submitted by Rajane Williams of Schertz, Texas. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice pilaf for the perfect dinner the whole family will enjoy!

Easy Lemon Thyme Chicken

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Ingredients

juice from 3 lemons
6 sprigs fresh thyme
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
2/3 cup olive oil
1 lb. chicken thighs and drumsticks

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425˚F.
In a bowl, add the juice of the lemons, leaves from thyme sprigs, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
Meanwhile, put the chicken into a resealable bag or bowl with lid, add marinade, and let sit refrigerated for 15 minutes.
Next, place chicken in a cast-iron skillet (reserve the marinade – you’ll be adding it to the cooking process shortly) and bake for 30 minutes.
Pour reserved marinade onto the chicken and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Take out of the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve.