Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the lavender-filled landscapes of Provence with just one bite! This Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that transforms your kitchen into a rustic French countryside retreat. With its golden, crispy skin, aromatic herbs, and tender, juicy meat, this recipe promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just one hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons herbes de Provence
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the rack in the middle of the oven for consistent heat distribution.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, herbes de Provence, salt, and black pepper to create a fragrant marinade.
- Rub the herbes de Provence mixture thoroughly over each chicken thigh, ensuring complete and even coverage of the skin and meat.
- Arrange lemon slices in the bottom of a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the lemon slices, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps redistribute the juices and maintain moisture.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dryness.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispy Skin: Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your chicken pieces enough space in the roasting pan to allow proper air circulation, which helps create an evenly crisp skin.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: While dried herbes de Provence is great, adding fresh herbs as a garnish can boost the flavor and visual appeal of your dish.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 293kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
