Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy meal. They are juicy, full of flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. This dish brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen without needing a lot of time or ingredients. Plus, it is a healthy option that everyone in the family will love.

How to Make Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the chicken thighs in the dish and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season the thighs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice; mix well.
5. Spoon the cheese and lemon mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
6. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken.

How to Serve Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs are great on their own or served with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with pasta or rice for a heartier meal. A slice of crusty bread pairs nicely to soak up the juices.

How to Store Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, use an oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Tips to Make Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

• Make sure not to skip the resting time after baking; it helps the juices redistribute for a juicier chicken.
• You can customize the seasoning if you prefer more or less spice.
• Use bone-in thighs for more flavor and juiciness compared to boneless options.

Variation

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the baking dish, such as bell peppers or zucchini. They will cook alongside the chicken and add extra flavor to the dish.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or a different hard cheese.

Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
Yes, marinating the chicken in olive oil and Italian seasoning for a few hours will enhance the flavor even more.

Baked Italian Chicken Thighs

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Delicious and easy baked chicken thighs with Italian flavors, perfect for any night of the week.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the chicken thighs in the dish and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season the thighs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice; mix well.
5. Spoon the cheese and lemon mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
6. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving, drizzling any remaining sauce over the chicken.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for juicier meat. Customize seasoning to taste.

• Author: nevaeh-hall
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 120mg