3-Ingredient Lemon Chicken

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Want to make a tasty chicken dish with just 3 ingredients? You’re in luck! This 3-ingredient lemon chicken recipe is super easy and full of flavor. You only need chicken thighs, lemons, and olive oil to create a delicious meal. The lemon slices get soft and yummy as they cook, adding a zingy taste to the chicken.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook. The prep is quick, and the oven does most of the work. You’ll end up with crispy-skinned chicken and a tangy sauce that’s great over rice or veggies.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you need for this tasty 3-ingredient lemon chicken:

• 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

You’ll also need 1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt and 4 crushed garlic cloves for extra flavor.

Can’t find chicken thighs? Try using drumsticks or even chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.

No fresh lemons? You can use bottled lemon juice, but you’ll miss out on the crispy lemon slices. Try using orange slices for a different twist.

Olive oil can be swapped for any neutral cooking oil you have on hand.

If you’re watching your salt intake, feel free to reduce the amount or use a salt substitute.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Feel free to experiment with what you have in your kitchen!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a rack in the middle.

Season the chicken thighs with salt on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Mix lemon slices, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels. Place the thighs in the dish, making sure the skin is exposed.

Drizzle the remaining oil over the chicken. Spread it evenly on the skin with your fingers.

Bake for about 45 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the skin crispy.

If needed, broil briefly to crisp up the skin more.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Plate each thigh with some of the softened lemons, garlic, and sauce from the dish.

Enjoy your delicious 3-ingredient lemon chicken!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. The bone keeps the meat moist, while the skin crisps up nicely.

Pat the chicken dry before cooking. This helps the skin get extra crispy in the oven.

Don’t skip salting the chicken and letting it sit. This step seasons the meat all the way through.

Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the lemons very thin. This allows them to soften and caramelize perfectly in the oven.

Make sure to spread the chicken skin out flat on the baking dish. This ensures it gets evenly crispy all over.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

For meal prep, you can season the chicken and slice the lemons a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.

Try serving your lemon chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.