Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs
Infused with bold Mediterranean flavors, these Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs are a tantalizing dinner option that's both hearty and easy to prepare. Juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and a medley of Italian herbs, including oregano, basil, and thyme. Hints of garlic and optional red chili flakes add depth and a touch of heat to the dish. Baked to perfection with irresistibly crispy skin, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnished with fresh parsley and paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad, these chicken thighs deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your home kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2-4 hours for deeper flavor).
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and arrange them skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Discard the remaining marinade.
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 crisp.
Optional: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley before serving.
Serve with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
421 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.7 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 594 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.7 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 27.4 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 33 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 332 mg | 7% | |
*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.
