Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients. Our Roasted Chicken with Lemons is a game-changing recipe that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With golden, crispy skin, tender meat, and a bright, tangy flavor profile, this dish promises to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and the lemons will roast perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the olive oil. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the oil.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, ensuring all sides are well-seasoned for optimal flavor.
- In a baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up. This will help achieve a crispy skin as the chicken cooks.
- Evenly distribute the sliced lemons over and around the chicken in the baking dish. The lemons will caramelize and add a bright, tangy flavor to the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Halfway through the cooking time, you may want to baste the chicken with the juices in the pan to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
- Garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic touch and additional flavor before serving.
- Serve the chicken thighs with the roasted lemons on the side. The lemons can be squeezed over the chicken for added brightness and flavor.
Tips
- • Always pat your chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin • Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant flavor • Don't skip the resting period after cooking - it's crucial for juicy meat • For extra flavor, try adding garlic cloves or rosemary sprigs alongside the thyme • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F • For a more caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 279kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 93mg
