Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over top. Alternately, use a broiler pan. Set side.
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, onion Italian seasoning, zest, salt and pepper. It will make a paste.
Toss the paste with chicken thighs, coating well. Transfer to the prepare baking sheet, giving space between each piece of meat. Spoon any excess paste from the bowl onto the chicken pieces.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a digital read thermometer reads 160°F.
Switch the oven to broil and allow the tops of the chicken to brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. Broiling and carryover cooking should allow the internal temperature rise to 165°F.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the melted butter with the lemon zest and paprika.
Right before serving, baste each piece of chicken with the compound butter.
If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
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Notes
Note: This recipe uses lemon zest, so you are left with the actual lemon. If you love lemons like I do, halve the lemon and char is well. Spritz fresh lemon juice over the chicken before eating.