Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe

Roasted chicken thighs are a crowd-pleasing dish that never goes out of style. They’re juicy, tender, and full of flavor, making them the perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. In this recipe, we elevate the humble chicken thigh with a zesty and savory lemon herb marinade, which infuses the meat with incredible depth and complexity.

The combination of lemon, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a touch of honey creates a balanced profile of brightness and richness. Roasting the chicken thighs ensures the skin becomes crispy and golden while the meat remains succulent and flavorful.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

The first step in preparing your Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs is to prep the chicken thighs. This ensures that they cook evenly and absorb the full flavor of the marinade.

1. Trim any excess fat: Chicken thighs often come with small pockets of fat attached. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the thighs. Leave a little fat on the skin, as it will help crisp up the skin during roasting.
2. Pat dry: Use paper towels to gently pat the chicken thighs dry. Dry skin results in crispier roasted chicken, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

Now, let’s make the marinade that will infuse the chicken with rich, aromatic flavors.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

   • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
   • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
   • 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
   • 4 cloves of garlic, minced finely
   • 2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
   • 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme)
   • 1 teaspoon of honey
   • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
   • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
   • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional)

2. Whisk everything together: Use a whisk or fork to mix the marinade until it is smooth and well-combined. Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you’d like it to be tangier.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Thighs

Once the marinade is prepared, it’s time to coat the chicken thighs.

1. Place the chicken thighs into the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Make sure the thighs are fully submerged in the marinade, and the skin is well-coated.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a zip-top plastic bag for easier cleanup. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate for 3–4 hours or even overnight.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help achieve a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken Thighs

After the chicken has marinated and your oven is preheated, it’s time to roast the chicken thighs.

1. Prepare the roasting pan or baking sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet or roasting pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the chicken thighs: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared pan, ensuring there is some space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken.
3. Roast the chicken: Put the pan in the oven and roast the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs. After 20 minutes, check the chicken and, if desired, spoon some of the marinade over the top of the chicken to keep it moist.
4. Check for doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. The skin should be golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply check that the juices run clear when pierced at the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 6: Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness

If you’d like to get the skin even crispier, you can broil the chicken for an additional 3–5 minutes at the end of roasting. Just keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting the chicken helps retain the juices inside the meat, ensuring it stays tender and juicy when you cut into it.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

To garnish, squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the chicken for an extra burst of citrus. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary over the chicken for an added touch of color and flavor.

Serve the Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs with your favorite side dishes. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad all make excellent accompaniments. You can even serve the chicken on a bed of couscous or quinoa for a more Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tips for Success:

1. Bone-in, skin-on thighs: While you can use boneless thighs, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs yield the best results for this recipe. The skin crisps up beautifully and helps keep the meat moist and flavorful during roasting.

2. Marinating time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference, but aim for at least 1 hour if you can.

3. Don’t skip the resting step: After roasting, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will make sure your chicken thighs are juicy and tender when you cut into them.

4. Smoked paprika: While optional, smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor to the chicken, making it even more savory. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too.

5. Experiment with other herbs: Rosemary and thyme are classic herbs for roasting chicken, but feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs such as oregano, sage, or marjoram.

Pairing Suggestions:

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to create a well-rounded meal:

• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and parsnips roast beautifully alongside the chicken. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for added flavor.
• Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf with almonds and dried cranberries complements the savory chicken thighs beautifully.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are always a hit. Serve alongside the chicken for a comforting meal.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with arugula, mixed greens, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

Conclusion:

Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs is an easy yet flavorful dish that can elevate any meal. The combination of lemon, herbs, garlic, and honey provides a well-balanced and savory profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just a weeknight family meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe

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Roasted chicken thighs are a crowd-pleasing dish that never goes out of style. They’re juicy, tender, and full of flavor, making them the perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. In this recipe, we elevate the humble chicken thigh with a zesty and savory lemon herb marinade, which infuses the meat with incredible depth and complexity.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
   
3. Season Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. You can let them marinate for 15 minutes for extra flavor, but this step is optional.
   
4. Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
   
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Marinating: You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.

Skin-on, Bone-in: These chicken cuts keep the meat juicy and flavorful, but you can use boneless, skinless thighs for a quicker cook time (about 25-30 minutes).

Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.