This lemon and garlic chicken bake is a one pan dinner that looks like you’ve gone to a lot of trouble. Chicken thighs get a sprinkle of paprika, then sit in a creamy garlic, lemon and thyme sauce and bake until they’re golden and the sauce is thick and bubbling.
It takes about 10 minutes to put together and 30 minutes in the oven.
Why You’ll Love It
You whisk the sauce straight in the baking pan, so there’s one dish to wash. It’s made with chicken thighs, which are budget-friendly and stay juicy, and the sauce is mostly pantry spices and cream. It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night and good enough for when people come over.
The Shortcut That Makes It Work
Mixing the sauce right in the ovenproof pan. There’s no saucepan, no browning the chicken first and no stirring at the stove. Everything goes in one pan and the oven does the rest.
Handy Tips
Season the chicken all over with the salt, pepper and paprika before it goes in. Sit the thighs in the sauce rather than burying them, so the tops can go golden.
What To Serve With It
Mash, rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce, with steamed greens or a simple salad.
Leftovers / How to Store It
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat until hot all the way through. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so a splash of water helps loosen it.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Lemon and Garlic Chicken Bake
Prep Time 10 minutes 
Cook Time
30 minutes 
Total Time 40 minutes 
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt, pepper and paprika.
- In an ovenproof pan, whisk together the cream, crushed garlic, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme.
- Add your lemon slices into the sauce, then nestle the chicken thighs in.
- Bake at 200°C for 30 minutes until the chicken is golden and the sauce is bubbling and thick.
Nutrition
Video
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes. Breast cooks faster than thigh and can dry out, so check it earlier. Thigh stays juicier in a creamy bake like this.
Can I get it ready ahead of time?
Yes. Season the chicken earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge, then whisk the sauce and bake it when you’re ready for dinner.
Why is my sauce still thin?
It needs to be bubbling and thick when it comes out. If it’s still runny, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Just about to give this a go, recipe says 3 chicken thighs, video says 6 chicken thighs??
Recipe and ingredients list don’t match the video (no stock powder) Hopefully I can try pull off something. Not the first one I’ve seen with this issue. I do love your recipes and not trying to be mean.
Not being mean at all Angie :). In fact, I’m glad you pointed it out. Let me know the others as well as I hate to have incomplete recipes. I’ve just updated this recipe.
Have made this many times especially if people coming for dinner. They think I’ve spent a lot of time making something delicious when in fact it’s super easy and super tasty.