Zesty Baked Chicken

Infuse your weeknight dinners with vibrant, citrusy flavors using this irresistible Zesty Baked Chicken recipe! Juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are coated in a bold marinade featuring zesty lemon and orange juice, fragrant citrus zest, honey, garlic, and a medley of spices like smoked paprika and cumin. Baked to golden perfection, the chicken boasts tender, flavorful meat and irresistibly crispy skin. Ready in under an hour, including prep time, this dish is not only quick to make but also deeply satisfying. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges for an extra pop of brightness, this easy baked chicken recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp side salad. Perfect for weeknight family meals or casual entertaining, this recipe is the ultimate way to enjoy a healthy, mouthwatering dinner full of zesty, bold flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 whole zest of a lemon
• 1 whole zest of an orange
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and set them aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, honey, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).

Step 4

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes for more flavor.

Step 5

Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6

Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.

Step 7

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1125 grams (1125.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2414

Total Fat 183.10g	235%
Saturated Fat 46.30g	232%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 729mg	243%
Sodium 4292mg	187%
Total Carbohydrate 39.90g	15%
Dietary Fiber 7.30g	26%
Total Sugars 24.70g
Protein 165.30g	331%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 229mg	18%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 2133mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.8%

Protein: 26.8%

Carbs: 6.5%