Zesty Baked Chicken
Description
This Zesty Baked Chicken is the ultimate all-purpose recipe. Seasoned with a bright mix of lemon, garlic, and herbs. It's easy enough for a busy weeknight, impressive enough to serve to guests at a gathering, and perfect for prepping healthy meals for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken
The night before you plan to cook, place the trimmed chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag. Pour in the lemon and herb marinade (or Zesty Italian dressing), and the garlic and herb seasoning. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and massage to ensure all the chicken is coated. Place in the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
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Prep for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer across two 9x11 inch baking pans. (Alternatively, you can use a single large sheet pan if you have one.) Make sure not to overcrowd the pans, as this helps the chicken bake evenly. Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the tops of the chicken thighs. -
Bake
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The tops should be golden and slightly caramelized. -
Finish & Serve
Carefully remove the pans from the oven. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the hot, cooked chicken. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 298kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 516mg22%
- Potassium 444mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
This recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well! Here are a few key adjustments to keep in mind:
- Baking Time: Chicken breasts are much leaner and will cook faster. Reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
- Doneness: To avoid dry chicken, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point.
This small change will ensure your chicken breasts come out perfectly juicy and tender every time.
