Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary French gastronomic experience! These succulent "Cuisses de Poulets au Four" (Roasted Chicken Thighs) are not just a meal, but a flavor explosion that combines the rustic charm of French countryside cooking with restaurant-quality elegance. With golden, crispy skin, herb-infused tenderness, and a burst of citrusy brightness, this recipe promises to become your new go-to dish that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chopped thyme, and rosemary to create an herb-infused oil.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Brush the chicken thighs thoroughly with the herb-infused olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Place lemon slices around and between the chicken pieces.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired, and accompanied by roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- • Always pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out • Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum moisture • For extra flavor, marinate chicken in herb-infused oil for 1-2 hours before cooking • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavor and juiciest results • Don't overcrowd the baking dish – give each thigh enough space to roast evenly • For a beautiful presentation, arrange lemon slices strategically around the chicken • Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or sage to customize the flavor profile
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 127kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
