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Crispy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

crispy lemon herb roasted chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden-skinned chicken thighs bursting with fresh lemony aroma and herbaceous punch. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700 to 900 grams)
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and smoked paprika if using. Stir well to combine.
  4. Rub the herb lemon mixture all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin where possible.
  5. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  7. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin. If skin isn’t crispy enough after roasting, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Do not overcrowd the pan. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Marinate up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness; reheat in oven instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, lemon herb chicken, roasted chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken