This dish is all about bold flavor and simplicity. With a garlicky marinade that soaks into the chicken, each bite is juicy, savory, and perfectly seasoned. The oven does most of the work, and it pairs beautifully with any side—think roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice. It’s gluten-free, packed with protein, and easily adaptable to your spice preferences. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts fresh garlic cloves (lots of them, minced or crushed) olive oil lemon juice salt black pepper paprika dried thyme or rosemary optional: fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Pat chicken dry and place in the baking dish. Pour the garlic mixture over the chicken, coating evenly.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 15–30 minutes if time allows.
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes (depending on thickness), or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier finish.
Garnish with chopped parsley or Parmesan before serving.
Extra Garlic Crunch: Add whole garlic cloves around the chicken to roast alongside.
Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a touch of heat.
Herb Upgrade: Add fresh rosemary, oregano, or basil for more aroma.
Garlic Butter Chicken: Replace olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Lemon-Garlic Version: Add lemon zest and extra juice for a brighter finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well. Freeze in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How much garlic should I use?
This recipe is designed for garlic lovers, so don’t be shy—8 to 12 cloves is a great range.
Can I use garlic powder instead?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1–2 teaspoons of garlic powder if needed.
What cut of chicken is best?
Bone-in thighs stay juicy and flavorful, but breasts or drumsticks also work well.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
It’s optional, but even 15 minutes helps the flavors absorb more deeply.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, add potatoes, carrots, or green beans to roast alongside the chicken.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Bake just until internal temp reaches 165°F, and cover with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger baking dish and make extra marinade.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you don’t add any gluten-containing sides or sauces.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the baking time by about 5–10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What should I serve this with?
Great options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Garlic Lovers’ Baked Chicken is the ultimate dish for anyone who adores garlic. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this juicy, oven-roasted chicken is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides for a simple, satisfying, and boldly flavorful meal that never disappoints.
Garlic Lovers’ Baked Chicken is a juicy, oven-roasted dish packed with bold garlic flavor. Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for garlic fans and ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
8–12 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Pat chicken dry and place it in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic mixture over the chicken and coat evenly.
If time allows, marinate for 15–30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top.
Garnish with parsley or Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Add whole garlic cloves around the chicken to roast and enhance flavor.Use bone-in thighs for extra juiciness or boneless for quicker cooking.Fresh garlic is best, but 1–2 tsp garlic powder can substitute if needed.Double the marinade for a larger batch or more intense flavor.Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to roast alongside the chicken.
