Juicy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Simple and Tasty Meal

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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 2 medium lemons (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish - Additional fresh herbs (optional) This dish starts with four chicken thighs. The bone and skin keep the meat juicy. You will need two lemons. Their zest and juice add a bright flavor. Garlic is next on the list. Four cloves, minced, give a nice kick. Fresh herbs make this meal special. Use two tablespoons each of rosemary and thyme. These herbs bring a fresh taste. One teaspoon of dried oregano adds depth. Three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil keep the chicken moist. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper. These seasonings help enhance all the flavors. Lemon slices and extra herbs can add a nice touch for serving. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish juicy and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven is very important. It helps cook the chicken evenly. When the oven reaches 400°F (200°C), it creates a nice golden brown skin on the chicken. Mixing the marinade is simple and fun. In a large bowl, add the zest and juice of two lemons. Then, add minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, dried oregano, and olive oil. Whisk all the ingredients well until they blend into a bright and fragrant mix. Next, season your chicken thighs with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Do this on both sides to boost the flavor. Add the seasoned chicken to your marinade. Make sure each piece gets a good coat. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. Now, it’s time to get ready for baking. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish with the skin side up. Pour any leftover marinade on top. This helps the chicken soak up all that tasty flavor while it cooks. Put your baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 35-40 minutes. It’s done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown. Cooking times can change based on the size of your chicken thighs, so check carefully. Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is key as it keeps the juices in the meat. After resting, plate your chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra herbs for a pop of color and flavor. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken thighs well. Here are some key tips: - Mix lemon zest and juice with garlic and herbs. - Use a bowl big enough to hold all the chicken. - Coat each piece of chicken in the marinade. - Marinate for at least 30 minutes; 2 hours is even better. - Refrigerate the chicken while it marinates to keep it fresh. You want to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Here's how: - Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. - The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). - Look for juicy, clear juices when you cut into the chicken. - The skin should be crispy and golden brown. Pair your juicy lemon herb baked chicken with tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Serve with roasted veggies for a balanced meal. - A fresh green salad adds color and crunch. - Mashed potatoes or rice can soak up the flavors. - For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This will deepen the flavor and result in a more succulent dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C). Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference. Fresh basil or dill can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change the herbs for different tastes. Try using fresh basil or parsley instead of rosemary. Oregano gives a nice touch too. Each herb adds its own flavor. You can mix and match to find your favorite blend. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade. A teaspoon can spice things up. If you love heat, try using cayenne pepper. This will give your chicken a nice kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. You can cook this chicken in the oven or on the grill. Baking gives you juicy chicken with crispy skin. Grilling adds smoky flavor. Both methods work great, but they change the taste. If you grill, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning. To keep your leftover chicken fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This will help avoid freezer burn. To reheat your chicken, use the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the chicken moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also use a microwave. Just heat on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying it out. When stored properly, your juicy lemon herb baked chicken lasts about four days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. After that, the quality may decline. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Aim for about 25-30 minutes baking time. The flavor will be slightly different, but still tasty. Boneless thighs are also easier to eat. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The skin should look crispy and golden brown. You can also cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear without any pink. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Marinate the chicken the night before for a stronger flavor. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Dried herbs are a great option. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, use about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary. Dried herbs work well but may lack some fresh flavor. This recipe for lemon herb chicken is simple and clear. We shared the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create a tasty dish. Remember to marinate well for the best flavor. You can also try different herbs or cooking methods. Store and reheat leftovers properly to keep them juicy. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this meal your own!

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Get ready for a flavor-packed dinner with my Juicy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken! This dish is simple, tasty, and perfect for busy weeknights. I’ll share how to infuse your chicken with bright lemon and fresh herbs for a meal that impresses. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for an easy recipe, this one will surely become a favorite. Let’s dive in and make some delicious chicken together!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh and Bright Flavors: The combination of zesty lemons and aromatic herbs brings a refreshing taste that elevates the chicken thighs, making each bite a burst of flavor.
  2. Simple Preparation: This recipe is easy to follow, requiring minimal effort in preparation and cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
  3. Versatile Garnishes: With options for lemon slices and additional fresh herbs, you can customize the presentation and flavor to suit your taste.
  4. Juicy and Tender Chicken: The marinating process ensures that the chicken thighs are tender and juicy, resulting in a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 2 medium lemons (zested and juiced)

– 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

– Lemon slices, for garnish

– Additional fresh herbs (optional)

This dish starts with four chicken thighs. The bone and skin keep the meat juicy. You will need two lemons. Their zest and juice add a bright flavor. Garlic is next on the list. Four cloves, minced, give a nice kick. Fresh herbs make this meal special. Use two tablespoons each of rosemary and thyme. These herbs bring a fresh taste. One teaspoon of dried oregano adds depth.

Three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil keep the chicken moist. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper. These seasonings help enhance all the flavors. Lemon slices and extra herbs can add a nice touch for serving. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish juicy and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheating your oven is very important. It helps cook the chicken evenly. When the oven reaches 400°F (200°C), it creates a nice golden brown skin on the chicken.

Prepare the Marinade

Mixing the marinade is simple and fun. In a large bowl, add the zest and juice of two lemons. Then, add minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, dried oregano, and olive oil. Whisk all the ingredients well until they blend into a bright and fragrant mix.

Season and Marinate the Chicken

Next, season your chicken thighs with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Do this on both sides to boost the flavor. Add the seasoned chicken to your marinade. Make sure each piece gets a good coat. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours.

Prepare for Baking

Now, it’s time to get ready for baking. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish with the skin side up. Pour any leftover marinade on top. This helps the chicken soak up all that tasty flavor while it cooks.

Bake the Chicken

Put your baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 35-40 minutes. It’s done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown. Cooking times can change based on the size of your chicken thighs, so check carefully.

Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is key as it keeps the juices in the meat. After resting, plate your chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Marinating Tips

To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken thighs well. Here are some key tips:

– Mix lemon zest and juice with garlic and herbs.

– Use a bowl big enough to hold all the chicken.

– Coat each piece of chicken in the marinade.

– Marinate for at least 30 minutes; 2 hours is even better.

– Refrigerate the chicken while it marinates to keep it fresh.

Checking for Doneness

You want to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Here’s how:

– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

– The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C).

– Look for juicy, clear juices when you cut into the chicken.

– The skin should be crispy and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your juicy lemon herb baked chicken with tasty sides. Here are some ideas:

– Serve with roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

– A fresh green salad adds color and crunch.

– Mashed potatoes or rice can soak up the flavors.

– For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate Longer for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This will deepen the flavor and result in a more succulent dish.
  2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C).
  3. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
  4. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference. Fresh basil or dill can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

Variations

Herb Swaps

You can change the herbs for different tastes. Try using fresh basil or parsley instead of rosemary. Oregano gives a nice touch too. Each herb adds its own flavor. You can mix and match to find your favorite blend.

Spicy Lemon Herb Chicken

Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade. A teaspoon can spice things up. If you love heat, try using cayenne pepper. This will give your chicken a nice kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Oven vs. Grill

You can cook this chicken in the oven or on the grill. Baking gives you juicy chicken with crispy skin. Grilling adds smoky flavor. Both methods work great, but they change the taste. If you grill, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your leftover chicken fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This will help avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your chicken, use the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the chicken moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also use a microwave. Just heat on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying it out.

Shelf Life

When stored properly, your juicy lemon herb baked chicken lasts about four days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. After that, the quality may decline. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Aim for about 25-30 minutes baking time. The flavor will be slightly different, but still tasty. Boneless thighs are also easier to eat.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The skin should look crispy and golden brown. You can also cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear without any pink.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Marinate the chicken the night before for a stronger flavor. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a great option. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, use about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary. Dried herbs work well but may lack some fresh flavor.

This recipe for lemon herb chicken is simple and clear. We shared the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create a tasty dish. Remember to marinate well for the best flavor. You can also try different herbs or cooking methods. Store and reheat leftovers properly to keep them juicy. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this meal your ow

- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 2 medium lemons (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish - Additional fresh herbs (optional) This dish starts with four chicken thighs. The bone and skin keep the meat juicy. You will need two lemons. Their zest and juice add a bright flavor. Garlic is next on the list. Four cloves, minced, give a nice kick. Fresh herbs make this meal special. Use two tablespoons each of rosemary and thyme. These herbs bring a fresh taste. One teaspoon of dried oregano adds depth. Three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil keep the chicken moist. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper. These seasonings help enhance all the flavors. Lemon slices and extra herbs can add a nice touch for serving. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish juicy and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven is very important. It helps cook the chicken evenly. When the oven reaches 400°F (200°C), it creates a nice golden brown skin on the chicken. Mixing the marinade is simple and fun. In a large bowl, add the zest and juice of two lemons. Then, add minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, dried oregano, and olive oil. Whisk all the ingredients well until they blend into a bright and fragrant mix. Next, season your chicken thighs with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Do this on both sides to boost the flavor. Add the seasoned chicken to your marinade. Make sure each piece gets a good coat. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. Now, it’s time to get ready for baking. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish with the skin side up. Pour any leftover marinade on top. This helps the chicken soak up all that tasty flavor while it cooks. Put your baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 35-40 minutes. It’s done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown. Cooking times can change based on the size of your chicken thighs, so check carefully. Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is key as it keeps the juices in the meat. After resting, plate your chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra herbs for a pop of color and flavor. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken thighs well. Here are some key tips: - Mix lemon zest and juice with garlic and herbs. - Use a bowl big enough to hold all the chicken. - Coat each piece of chicken in the marinade. - Marinate for at least 30 minutes; 2 hours is even better. - Refrigerate the chicken while it marinates to keep it fresh. You want to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Here's how: - Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. - The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). - Look for juicy, clear juices when you cut into the chicken. - The skin should be crispy and golden brown. Pair your juicy lemon herb baked chicken with tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Serve with roasted veggies for a balanced meal. - A fresh green salad adds color and crunch. - Mashed potatoes or rice can soak up the flavors. - For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This will deepen the flavor and result in a more succulent dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C). Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference. Fresh basil or dill can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change the herbs for different tastes. Try using fresh basil or parsley instead of rosemary. Oregano gives a nice touch too. Each herb adds its own flavor. You can mix and match to find your favorite blend. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade. A teaspoon can spice things up. If you love heat, try using cayenne pepper. This will give your chicken a nice kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. You can cook this chicken in the oven or on the grill. Baking gives you juicy chicken with crispy skin. Grilling adds smoky flavor. Both methods work great, but they change the taste. If you grill, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning. To keep your leftover chicken fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This will help avoid freezer burn. To reheat your chicken, use the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the chicken moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also use a microwave. Just heat on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying it out. When stored properly, your juicy lemon herb baked chicken lasts about four days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. After that, the quality may decline. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Aim for about 25-30 minutes baking time. The flavor will be slightly different, but still tasty. Boneless thighs are also easier to eat. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The skin should look crispy and golden brown. You can also cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear without any pink. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Marinate the chicken the night before for a stronger flavor. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Dried herbs are a great option. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, use about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary. Dried herbs work well but may lack some fresh flavor. This recipe for lemon herb chicken is simple and clear. We shared the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create a tasty dish. Remember to marinate well for the best flavor. You can also try different herbs or cooking methods. Store and reheat leftovers properly to keep them juicy. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this meal your own!

Zesty Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

A flavorful dish featuring roasted chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 medium lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • as needed lemon slices, for garnish
  • optional additional fresh herbs (such as parsley or extra thyme), for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the zest of the lemons, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, dried oregano, and olive oil. Whisk everything together until thoroughly mixed.
  • Generously season the chicken thighs with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.
  • Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin side up in a baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Plate the chicken thighs and garnish with fresh lemon slices and any additional herbs you desire.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword chicken, herbs, lemon, roasted

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