Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This mouthwatering Orange Lemon Garlic Chicken isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor symphony that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine perfectly crispy chicken thighs infused with bright citrus notes and a robust garlic punch, creating a dish so irresistible that your family and friends will be begging for seconds before the first bite is even finished.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil to create a vibrant marinade.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the citrus-garlic marinade over them, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, or for more intense flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Preheat a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with a thin layer of olive oil.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place skin-side down in the hot skillet to achieve a golden-brown, crispy skin.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet with chicken to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the chicken.
Tips
- • Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to guarantee that irresistibly crispy skin • Use fresh citrus juice for the most vibrant and intense flavor profile • Allow sufficient marinating time to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat • Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dish cleanup and maximize flavor development • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F • Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and tenderness • For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the parsley
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 384kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
