Description
Succulent lemon herb roasted chicken thighs promise a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey that delights senses with fresh herbs and zesty citrus notes. Crisp-skinned, juicy chicken emerges from your oven as a simple yet elegant meal sure to impress dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Whisk together a vibrant marinade combining fragrant herbs, zesty citrus, and aromatic garlic in a small mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with clean paper towels to ensure maximum marinade absorption and crispy skin development.
- Submerge chicken pieces completely in the herb-infused liquid, gently massaging the marinade into every crevice of the meat.
- Allow the chicken to rest and absorb flavors for a minimum of half an hour, or up to two hours in the refrigerator for deeper taste penetration.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the prepared sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even roasting and crisp exterior.
- Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven, maintaining a consistent temperature to achieve golden-brown, succulent chicken.
- Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature, cooking until it reaches the safe threshold of 165°F, which typically takes 35-40 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Optionally, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the roasted thighs for a burst of color and additional fresh herb flavor before serving.
Notes
- Marinate overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense herb and lemon flavor infusion.
- For extra crispy skin, pat chicken completely dry and let sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 hour before roasting.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option, reducing cooking time by 5-10 minutes to prevent drying out.
- Create a gluten-free and dairy-free meal by ensuring all herbs and seasonings are pure and uncontaminated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg