Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering Zesty Lemon Chicken recipe, a perfect fusion of bright citrus and savory richness. Featuring tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and baked in a luscious sauce made with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and aromatic rosemary, this dish bursts with flavor in every bite. The addition of lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley elevates its presentation, making it a showstopper for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Quick to prep and easy to make in just one skillet, this recipe is a go-to for busy cooks seeking a flavorful, oven-baked chicken dish with minimal cleanup. Pair with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal that’s as nourishing as it is delightful.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Zest and juice 1 lemon, setting both aside. Slice the second lemon into thin rounds for garnish.
In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and chopped rosemary. Whisk together to form a marinade.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and carefully add the marinade to the same skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir to combine. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
Top each chicken thigh with a lemon slice for garnish.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for garnish and serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Serving size | 957.1 grams (957.1g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1852 |
Total Fat 138.40g | 177% |
Saturated Fat 33.00g | 165% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g | |
Cholesterol 486mg | 162% |
Sodium 3485mg | 152% |
Total Carbohydrate 50.80g | 18% |
Dietary Fiber 4.00g | 14% |
Total Sugars 37.60g | |
Protein 112.10g | 224% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 137mg | 11% |
Iron 8mg | 43% |
Potassium 1476mg | 31% |
Source of Calories