Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe
A perfectly roasted chicken thigh is a thing of beauty—and when infused with the delicious blend of lemon and fresh herbs, it’s downright irresistible. This recipe for Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party.
Equipment
- A sharp chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
- Tongs
- Kitchen thermometer
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest zest from 1 large lemon
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
Instructions
Step 1: Get the Ingredients Ready
- Start by gathering everything you need. Slice the lemons into thin rounds, chop the fresh herbs, and mince the garlic. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin get crispy when roasted. If you're using red pepper flakes, measure out the amount you like.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Put the chicken thighs in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add the chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously and mix everything so the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to soak up all the flavors.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- While the chicken is marinating, turn on your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the middle so the chicken cooks evenly.
Step 4: Get the Chicken Ready to Roast
- After marinating, place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe pan. Put the lemon slices under and around the chicken to add a burst of citrus flavor while roasting. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
Step 5: Roast the Chicken
- Put the baking dish in the oven and roast the chicken for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Use a kitchen thermometer to check if the inside temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure it's fully cooked.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
- Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making the chicken moist and delicious. Serve hot with the lemon slices on top for extra flavor and enjoy your lemon herb roasted chicken!
Notes
When making Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs, be sure to use fresh lemon juice and herbs for the best flavor. Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent over-roasting, and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices for a tender, juicy result.