Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs
Savor the vibrant flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs, the perfect dish for a healthy yet delicious dinner. Marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, sweet molasses, and aromatic garlic, these tender chicken thighs are not only low in fat but also bursting with flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe is a healthier twist on a classic favorite, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends and family. Enjoy them hot from the oven, and don’t forget to garnish with a wedge of lemon for that extra pop!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Molasses
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Garlic
4 cloves (Minced)
Chicken thighs
8 pieces (Skinned)
Cooking spray
N/A (For coating the pan)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Lemon wedge
Optional (For garnish)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
2
Add the skinned chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if time allows.
3
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
4
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the marinated chicken thighs in a shallow roasting pan that has been coated with cooking spray.
5
Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken thighs. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then baste the chicken with the marinade. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
7
Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs.
What are the primary flavor components of the marinade?
The marinade features fresh lemon juice, sweet molasses, aromatic garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
What type of chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 pieces of skinned chicken thighs.
How much fresh lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the minimum recommended marinating time?
The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours if time allows.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How much molasses is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of molasses.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 cloves of minced garlic.
What should I do with the marinade after soaking the chicken?
Reserve the marinade to pour over the chicken in the roasting pan and for basting.
What kind of pan should be used for roasting?
A shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray is recommended.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How long should the chicken bake initially before basting?
Bake the chicken for an initial 20 minutes before basting.
What is the total recommended baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 40 minutes (20 minutes before basting and an additional 20 minutes after).
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it stays juicy.
What is a recommended garnish for this dish?
Optional lemon wedges can be used as a garnish for a fresh touch.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy twist on a classic favorite and is noted for being low in fat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional garnishes.
Is the garlic prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the garlic should be minced before being added to the marinade.
How should the lemon juice be prepared?
The juice should be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
When do I season the chicken with salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper after placing the chicken in the roasting pan and pouring the reserved marinade over it.
Does the recipe use oil to coat the pan?
No, the recipe specifies using cooking spray to coat the roasting pan.
What kind of chicken thighs are used?
The recipe specifies using skinned chicken thighs.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.
How do I mix the marinade ingredients?
Combine the lemon juice, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly blended.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, low fat, roasted chicken, lemon garlic, healthy recipe, easy dinner, and family meal.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a casual gathering with friends and family.