Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 lemon, thinly sliced - Fresh parsley leaves for garnishing Gather these ingredients to make a delightful dish. The chicken thighs have rich flavors and juicy meat. Garlic adds a nice aroma, while rosemary and thyme bring freshness. Smoked paprika gives a warm color and a hint of spice. Kosher salt and black pepper enhance the taste. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and helps it brown well. Lemon slices add a zesty touch, brightening the dish. Lastly, parsley adds a lovely splash of color on top. Prepare these ingredients for a simple yet tasty meal that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is key. This high temperature helps the chicken roast evenly. A hot oven also gives the skin a nice, crispy texture. Before starting, double-check that your oven is empty. This ensures nothing interferes with cooking. In a bowl, mix 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, and 2 tablespoons of chopped thyme. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. This mix will be your marinade. Stir well until it combines. The oil helps the flavors soak into the chicken. Take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. A dry surface is crucial for crispy skin. Next, rub the herb mixture on the thighs, making sure to get some underneath the skin. This allows the herbs to infuse the meat fully. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Make sure the skin side is up. Now, take a lemon and slice it thinly. Arrange the lemon slices around the chicken. As the chicken cooks, the lemon will add a fresh flavor. Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be a beautiful, golden brown. This means your chicken is ready and looks great. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices stay in the meat. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley leaves on top. This adds color and a burst of freshness to your dish. To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start with drying them well. Use paper towels to pat the skin until it feels dry. This step helps remove excess moisture. Moisture can lead to soggy skin, which is not what we want. Next, render the fat properly during roasting. Place the chicken skin-side up in the oven. This allows the fat to drip down and crisp up the skin. Roasting at 400°F (200°C) helps achieve that golden brown look. You can boost the flavor of your chicken with more herbs and spices. Try adding oregano or basil for a twist. These herbs pair well with garlic and rosemary. You can also use red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Adding citrus juices enhances flavor too. Squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken before roasting. The acidity brightens the dish and keeps it fresh. If you want to try other cooking methods, consider grilling or air frying. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that is hard to resist. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Adjust cooking times and temperatures for these methods. The key is to monitor the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Enjoy experimenting with these techniques! Pro Tips Dry the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. A dry surface ensures crispy skin by allowing the fat to render properly during roasting. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). Let It Rest: After roasting, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the roasted dish. {{image_4}} You can easily switch herbs in this recipe. If you have dried herbs, they work just as well. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs. For fresh herbs, try basil or oregano. They add a nice twist to the chicken. Want to make it a one-pan meal? Add veggies like carrots and potatoes. They soak up the flavors from the chicken. You can roast them together for a complete dish. Just cut them into even pieces for even cooking. Switch up the oils for different flavors. Try avocado oil for a buttery taste. You can also use soy sauce or honey for a sweet glaze. For a zingy kick, use vinegar or citrus juice. These changes add a new twist to your chicken. To store cooked chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If it smells or looks off, throw it away. If you have extra chicken, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool down. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot. For refrigeration, use airtight containers or wrap the chicken well. Glass containers or heavy-duty plastic work best. When freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. To avoid freezer burn, make sure there is little air left in the bags. Consider using a vacuum sealer for long storage. To check chicken thighs, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices. When you cut into the thigh, the juices should run clear. The meat should also feel firm and not jiggly. Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so adjust your time. Skinless thighs may not be as crispy or flavorful. For added flavor, you can marinate them longer. You can also try adding a bit more oil or fat to the pan. This helps mimic the richness that skin provides. Great sides for this dish include roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Try pairing it with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the juices. For a complete meal, think about adding a simple dessert, like fruit salad. This makes a balanced and tasty dinner. To make delicious garlic herb roasted chicken thighs, you need fresh ingredients and clear steps. We explored the marinade, seasoning, and roasting techniques for juicy, flavorful meat. Tips for crispy skin and variations add extra flair. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Trust these techniques for future meals. Enjoy creating dishes that impress and satisfy. Your cooking journey starts here; embrace the fun!$

Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

A flavorful dish featuring roasted chicken thighs marinated with garlic and herbs, served with lemon slices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 piece lemon, thinly sliced
to taste leaves fresh parsley for garnishing

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken will roast evenly and develop a crispy skin.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels.
Generously rub the herb mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring to get some beneath the skin.
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a large oven-safe skillet or a baking dish, ensuring they are placed skin-side up.
Next, artistically place the lemon slices around the chicken thighs.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked, take them out of the oven and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes.
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley leaves over the chicken for a vibrant touch of color.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden platter with seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad.

Keyword chicken, garlic, herbs, roasted