Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Garlic

Recipe Introduction
Fancy some seriously tasty chicken? What if I told you it only takes about an hour? This leg thigh chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession.
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to get that restaurant quality crispy skin at home? Honestly, it's easier than you think. This recipe gives you succulent chicken with a vibrant lemon herb flavour.
Brief Overview
This recipe isn't steeped in centuries of tradition, but it is delicious. Think of it as a modern take on a classic.
It's an easy recipe, taking around 55 minutes from start to finish. This recipe serves 4 hungry people.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein. It's also naturally keto friendly. Oven Baked Chicken Recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy.
What makes this recipe special? The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and fragrant herbs is just magic.
Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Tasty Chicken Thigh Recipes dish. You'll be amazed how few ingredients it takes to make something so lip-smackingly good! Want Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs with a Lemon Herb Roasted twist, we've got you covered.
Ingredients for Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Garlic
Here’s what you'll need: 1 head of garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 4 bone-in, skin-on leg thigh chicken quarters, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley.
Don't forget the olive oil for searing!
Steps for Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Garlic
First, roast the garlic. Then, season your leg thigh chicken like there is no tomorrow. Sear it skin side down. Finish it in the oven. BOOM! You have Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner .
Enjoy this One Pan Chicken and Vegetables dinner.
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, alright, let's whip up some ingredients for this fantastic roasted chicken legs and thighs recipe! Honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference.
Main Ingredients for Tasty Chicken Thigh Recipes
Here’s what you'll need for the best ever baked chicken. It serves 4, by the way.
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) for the garlic
- A pinch of salt and pepper, just for the garlic
- 4 bone-in, skin-on leg thigh chicken pieces (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml) for the chicken
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (5 ml)
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (15 ml)
- Zest of 1 lemon. It adds a zing!
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (30 ml)
Quality indicators? For the leg thigh chicken , look for plump pieces with firm flesh and good skin colour. Avoid anything that looks pale or feels slimy.
The lemon should be firm and fragrant. Fresh herbs are always a plus, but dried work fine too.
Seasoning Notes
This part is important! Don't skip it. We're going for a Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken vibe.
The rosemary and thyme are your base. They give that classic Oven Baked Chicken Recipe flavour. Lemon zest brightens everything up. The garlic rosemary chicken thighs combination is simply divine.
No rosemary? Use oregano. Thyme MIA? Go for marjoram. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick, too. Play around, have fun!
Equipment Needed for Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner
Keep it simple. We don't need fancy gadgets, you know?
- An oven safe skillet (cast iron if you have one it’s amazing for getting crispy skin!) or a baking dish.
- A small bowl for mixing the spices.
- Aluminum foil for roasting the garlic.
Don't have a cast iron skillet? A regular baking dish works just fine. No foil? Just put the garlic in a small baking dish and cover it with a lid or another dish.
Improvising is the spice of life, innit? This is a great One Pan Chicken and Vegetables recipe for a good meal.
Cooking Method: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken (Leg and Thigh Edition!)
Okay, alright, let's talk chicken . Specifically, roasted chicken legs and thighs . honestly, is there anything more comforting? We're making tasty chicken thigh recipes super easy and impressive.
You know? It is perfect for a Sunday dinner! This oven baked chicken recipe will be your new favourite. Forget dry, bland chicken, we're going for juicy and flavorful, like seriously juicy grilled chicken thighs , with a crispy skin that'll make you swoon.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, Essential mise en place ! Prep is key, as they say. Get all your ingredients out and measured. This prevents frantic searches later.
Peel and prepare that garlic head. Pat those crispy chicken leg quarters bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters dry super important for crispy skin! Now, mix all your seasonings.
For Time saving organization tips , roast the garlic earlier in the day. You can squeeze it out when it has cooled.
And, please, use a clean cutting board for the raw chicken to avoid cross contamination; safety reminders if applicable!
The step-by-step: Chicken Nirvana
Here’s how to get that easy weeknight chicken dinner on the table:
- Preheat that oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Prepare the chicken.
- Give the chicken a good rub-down with your lemon herb mixture. Get under the skin if you can!
- Heat olive oil in your oven safe skillet, then sear chicken skin side down for 6- 8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 25- 30 minutes , until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer!
- Let the chicken rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. This locks in those juices.
You'll know your chicken is done when a meat thermometer registers 165° F in the thickest part. Visual cue? The juices run clear when you poke it with a fork.
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
Want next level garlic rosemary chicken thighs ? Here's a few things I've learned:
- Hot pan, hot oil: This is the secret to that amazing crispy skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This prevents browning!
- For make-ahead options , you can marinate the chicken overnight. The flavors meld beautifully!
Common mistake? Overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer. You can also bake one pan chicken and vegetables .
There you have it! A super flavorful, easy leg thigh chicken recipe that will become your go to dish!
Recipe Notes
Hey guys. These are just some things I've learned about making this leg thigh chicken recipe. Honestly, you can't mess it up too bad, so don't worry if you get a little crazy.
Serving Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got this amazing oven baked chicken recipe . How do you make it look fancy? A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must.
I love serving this with roasted one pan chicken and vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes great with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta.
Pour a crisp white wine to complete the dish. It makes it feel like a real treat.
Storing Your Leftovers
Alright, you've cooked way too much. It happens to the best of us. Just pop any leftover tasty chicken thigh recipes in an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Wanna freeze it? Wrap each piece well in cling film before freezing.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Tweaking The Recipe
Want to try something different? You can make this recipe so versatile. For a dietary adaptation swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or more other non-starchy vegetables for a healthier meal.
If you are thinking about seasonal ingredient swaps, rosemary and thyme swap for sage and marjoram in the autumn.
A Tiny Bit About Nutrition
This leg thigh chicken is a good source of protein, which helps you build and repair muscles. Each serving has around 550 calories.
Keep in mind the numbers can vary based on your ingredients. It's also got a decent amount of healthy fats from the olive oil, but try not to go overboard.
So there you have it. I hope you have fun making this! It’s honestly one of my go-to recipes for an easy easy weeknight chicken dinner .
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Have fun, and enjoy every bite of your juicy grilled chicken thighs!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the skin on my leg thigh chicken super crispy? I'm aiming for that "Colonel Sanders" level crunch!
Crispy skin is all about removing moisture. First, pat your chicken leg thigh pieces completely dry with paper towels. Second, make sure your pan and oil are nice and hot before you add the chicken, and don't overcrowd the pan work in batches if needed.
That way, the chicken sears instead of steams, resulting in that satisfying crunch you're after!
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? What adjustments should I make?
You can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but the cooking time will be shorter. Reduce the oven time by about 10-15 minutes, and make sure you still check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Keep in mind that you won't get the same crispy skin as with bone-in, skin-on pieces, but it will still be delicious!
What's the best way to store leftover leg thigh chicken, and how long will it last?
Store your leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally last for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven for best results (to help maintain some crispiness), or in the microwave if you're in a hurry. Cold chicken also makes a fantastic addition to salads or sandwiches!
I'm watching my carbs, is this leg thigh chicken recipe keto friendly?
Great news, this recipe is naturally very keto friendly! The main ingredients chicken, olive oil, herbs, and lemon are all low in carbohydrates. Just be mindful of your serving size and any side dishes you choose to pair with the chicken.
Keep an eye on the nutrition estimates, but this fits well into a low-carb lifestyle.
Can I use different herbs for this recipe? I'm not a huge fan of rosemary.
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the rosemary and thyme for other herbs you enjoy. Oregano, marjoram, or even a touch of sage would work beautifully. You could even go for a Mediterranean vibe with oregano and mint. Experiment and find your perfect herb blend!
Is it possible to prep the leg thigh chicken ahead of time, like the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, marinating the chicken overnight will only enhance the flavour. Simply prepare the seasoning rub, coat the chicken thoroughly, and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Just be sure to bring the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature for more even cooking.
Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken With Roasted Garlic

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |