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Easy Crispy Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Recipe for Perfect Dinner Nights

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A quick and easy sheet pan Italian chicken recipe featuring crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavors from garlic, herbs, and lemon. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (organic or free-range preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend (dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon zest and juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes if time allows.
  5. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the pan, spacing them apart.
  6. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, gently flip the tomatoes and baste the chicken with pan juices if desired.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken.
  9. Optional: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper crisping. Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end can enhance crispiness. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispy skin; reheat in oven instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian chicken, sheet pan chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, garlic chicken, herb chicken, lemon chicken, gluten-free, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-crispy-sheet-pan-italian-chicken-recipe-for-perfect-dinner-nights/