Follow these steps to make moist, flavorful chicken thighs roasted with bright lemon and aromatic garlic, resulting in crispy skin.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:45 min
Total Time:60 min
Yield:6 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Roasting
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and rub it into the skin and under the skin if possible. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to the broiler setting for the last 1 to 3 minutes, watching constantly to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Save the pan drippings after resting the chicken; you can use them to baste the chicken or make a quick pan sauce with a splash of white wine or broth.
For best results, ensure the chicken skin is very dry before seasoning and roasting.
If you do not have fresh lemons, use 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice, but fresh zest provides better flavor.