Discover the secret to perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. This easy, one-pan recipe is a delightful fusion of bold flavors and comfort that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals or impress guests with this chef-approved dish.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Juicy, tender chicken thighs with a delectable crispy skin, all coated in a vibrant lemon-herb sauce – what’s not to love? This recipe is a true flavor powerhouse that delivers on both taste and convenience. The lemon and herbs lend a bright, refreshing note that beautifully complements the rich, savory chicken. Plus, the easy one-pan preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Get ready for a truly epic and comforting dining experience.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple, yet flavorful lineup of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The star of the show is, of course, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which become irresistibly crispy when roasted. The zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic, add a fresh, bright essence that ties the whole dish together.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil – For coating and crisping the chicken
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Bright, citrusy flavor
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary – Earthy, aromatic herb
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme – Earthy, slightly minty notes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic and savory
- 1 teaspoon salt – To season the chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of heat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Herbs: If you don’t have all the herbs on hand, feel free to use a combination of your favorites. Dried herbs can also be used in place of fresh, adjusting the quantities as needed.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute olive oil or avocado oil for the butter.
How to Make Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Follow these simple steps to create a crispy, flavorful chicken dish that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing a large baking sheet. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is the key to achieving that irresistible crispy skin. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, chopped herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful coating.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the thighs with melted butter or oil, then generously sprinkle the lemon-herb mixture over the top, making sure to coat the skin evenly. Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes, basting halfway through, until it’s cooked through and the skin is golden-brown and crispy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Serve the crispy lemon herb chicken thighs immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this comforting, satisfying meal with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Lemon Juice: For an extra zesty kick, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the herb mixture.
- Herb Combinations: You can also try using a combination of herbs, such as oregano, basil, or parsley, to switch up the flavor profile.
- Cheese Topping: To make this dish even more indulgent, top the chicken with grated Parmesan cheese or a creamy lemon-garlic sauce.
- Spicy Twist: For a hint of heat, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through and the skin is crispy again.
Make-Ahead: The lemon-herb seasoning mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This crispy lemon herb chicken thighs recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken thighs are a rich source of protein, and the lemon and herbs provide a boost of essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving (one chicken thigh) contains approximately 300 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 18 grams of fat, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal option.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the skin on the chicken thighs extra crispy?
The key to achieving that coveted crispy skin is to thoroughly pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps the skin render and brown beautifully in the oven. Additionally, be sure not to crowd the chicken on the baking sheet, as this can steam the skin rather than crisping it up.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best texture and flavor, boneless, skinless thighs can also work well in this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as boneless thighs will cook faster than bone-in.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon-herb seasoning mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken and bake as directed. However, for the crispiest skin, it’s best to roast the chicken just before serving.
What sides pair well with this crispy lemon herb chicken?
The bright, zesty flavors of this chicken dish pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Some delicious options include roasted potatoes, steamed or sautéed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a simple rice or quinoa pilaf.
Can I use this recipe for chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can certainly use this recipe with chicken breasts, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will likely require less time in the oven, so be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
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Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs are marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, then roasted to perfection for a delicious and flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour marinade over them. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
4. 4. Remove chicken from marinade and place on a baking sheet, skin side up.
5. 5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
6. 6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, lemon, herb, crispy