Imagine a dinner that's so incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor that it'll become your go-to weeknight meal. This Easy Lemon Herb Chicken is about to revolutionize your kitchen game, transforming ordinary chicken thighs into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family begging for seconds. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a meal that looks and tastes like you've been slaving away in the kitchen for hours!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish, skin side up, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Use your hands or a brush to massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring full coverage.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Check the chicken's doneness by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before marinating to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that's irresistibly crunchy.
- Use fresh lemon juice if possible - it provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish. Giving each chicken thigh space ensures even cooking and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time. The internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This crucial 5-7 minute resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
- For an extra flavor boost, try toasting the dried oregano in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing into the marinade to intensify its aromatic qualities.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
