Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but keep a close eye on cooking time as they tend to dry out more quickly than thighs. I'd recommend checking them around the 15-minute mark in the oven or 10 minutes in the air fryer. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F.

What if I don't have time to marinate?

While marinating enhances flavor, you can still make this dish without the wait. Simply brush the chicken with the marinade before cooking and halfway through cooking time to build flavor. Then be generous with the reserved sauce when serving.

Can I grill this chicken instead?

This marinade works beautifully for grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The honey in the marinade helps create lovely grill marks.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can absolutely make this without the parmesan cheese. Try adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the marinade for a similar savory note, or simply omit and perhaps increase the garlic and herbs slightly to maintain flavor complexity.

Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Description

This easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a tangy, garlicky mixture with a touch of honey and parmesan cheese. Simple, quick, and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large lemon, juiced (2 tbs)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbs honey
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat your cooking appliance: Preheat your oven to 400℉ or your air fryer to 375℉.
Prepare the chicken: Rinse and pat dry your chicken pieces. Transfer the chicken to a ziploc bag.
Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper to taste, and grated parmesan. Transfer 3/4 of this mixture to the ziploc bag with the chicken and close the bag. Swoosh the chicken around to ensure it is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Store the remaining 1/4 marinade separately in the fridge for serving (ensure this reserved marinade does not come into contact with raw chicken).
Cook the chicken: Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 17-20 minutes. If using an air fryer, cook for 12 minutes.
Serve the chicken: Top the cooked chicken with the remaining marinade for additional flavor and serve as a dipping sauce if desired.

Notes

If you don’t like lemon, you can substitute white vinegar instead.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 285
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 140mg