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Crispy One-Pan Lemon Herb Roast Chicken Thighs

crispy one-pan lemon herb roast chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with crispy skin, infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds / 700-900g)
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Stir well.
  5. Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin where possible. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  6. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan and sear for 5-7 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs so skin side is up and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  8. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  9. If the skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Serve with pan juices spooned over and garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid soggy skin. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Broiling at the end is optional for extra crispiness. Reheat in oven or skillet to maintain crispy skin; avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken thighs, one-pan chicken, roast chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, juicy chicken, garlic chicken