Quick, One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs | Ready in 35 Min!

Prep Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven and Ensure Chicken is Thawed

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). These cuts of chicken are perfect for roasting as the skin helps keep the meat moist and flavorful while crisping up beautifully in the oven. Ensure that the thighs are thawed before starting the preparation process for the best cooking results.

   

2. Remove Excess Skin

   Next, use kitchen scissors to trim any excess skin from the chicken thighs. This step helps remove unwanted fat and skin that might not crisp up as nicely. Carefully cut away the skin around the edges, leaving enough to protect the meat but removing any overly thick or loose pieces.

   

3. Pat Dry

   Once the chicken is prepared, pat the skin and meat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the surface helps the skin crisp up beautifully while baking, ensuring a perfect golden-brown finish. Drying the chicken also helps the seasonings adhere better, enhancing the overall flavor.

   

4. Score the Chicken

   For an even better texture and flavor, lightly score the skin of the chicken thighs with a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the chicken and help the fat render out more efficiently, resulting in crispier skin.

   

5. Oil Skillet and Place Chicken

   After scoring the chicken thighs, oil the skillet and place them in a skillet, skin-side up (I prefer cast iron skillet). The skillet will help the chicken cook evenly in the oven, ensuring the skin crisps up beautifully. Arrange the thighs with enough space between them for the heat to circulate, allowing for even roasting. 

   

Mixing Ingredients

1. Oil Skillet and Place Chicken

   After scoring the chicken thighs, oil skillet and place skin-side up (I prefer a cast iron skillet). The skillet will help the chicken cook evenly in the oven, ensuring the skin crisps up beautifully. Arrange the thighs with enough space between them for the heat to circulate, allowing for even roasting.
   

2. Add Seasonings and Olive Oil

   Now, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken thighs in the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated. Next, evenly sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Use your hands or a spoon to rub the seasonings into the chicken, making sure the flavors are well-distributed across the skin and meat. This step ensures the chicken is full of flavor before roasting in the oven.

   

3. Add the Frozen Mixed Veggies

   Take the 16 oz bag of frozen mixed veggies and spread them evenly around the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. The frozen veggies will roast alongside the chicken, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and olive oil. There's no need to thaw the veggies first—simply place them directly into the skillet. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure the veggies are coated with the seasonings, creating a perfect one-pan meal.

   

4. Add Minced Garlic and Mix

   Next, add 3 cloves of freshly minced garlic to the skillet, sprinkling it evenly over the chicken and vegetables. The garlic will infuse the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor as it roasts. Gently mix the vegetables around the chicken to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed and the seasonings are well-coated. This step ensures that the garlic enhances both the chicken and the veggies, creating a fragrant, flavorful meal.

   

5. Add Sliced Lemon Wedges

   Take the lemon and slice it into wedges. Arrange the lemon wedges on top of the chicken thighs in the skillet. As the chicken roasts, the lemon will release its juices, adding a bright, zesty flavor that complements the savory seasonings. The wedges also help keep the chicken moist while infusing a refreshing citrusy aroma into the entire dish.

   

Roasting the Chicken and Veggies

1. Place in the Oven

   Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The chicken should cook through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the skin will crisp up beautifully. Keep an eye on the vegetables as they roast, soaking up the delicious flavors from the chicken and seasonings.

   

2. Broil for Crispy Skin

   Once the chicken is fully cooked, switch the oven to broil. Broil the chicken thighs for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this step to prevent burning, as the broiler heats quickly. This final touch will give the chicken an irresistible, crispy texture while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

   

3. Garnish and Serve

   Once the chicken and veggies are done, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the meal. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pan lemon garlic chicken thighs with roasted veggies! It's the perfect dish for a quick, satisfying dinner.