Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

🍗 A simple and juicy main dish infused with zesty lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Easy to prepare and perfect for pairing with roasted veggies, grains, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2–2.5 lbs)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

• Lemon slices and extra herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.

2. Make the Marinade

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Marinate the Chicken

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp).

• Place them in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over. Toss to coat evenly.

• Let marinate for at least 20–30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.

4. Roast the Chicken

• Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish.

• Spoon any extra marinade over the top.

• Roast for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

• Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.

5. Serve

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.

• Serve alongside rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the juices.

• Add a light green salad with vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

✔ For crispier skin, avoid overcrowding the pan—use two pans if necessary.

✔ You can substitute with boneless thighs—reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes.

✔ To make it dairy-free and gluten-free, no substitutions needed!

This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs recipe is a flavorful, no-fuss dish perfect for weeknights or gatherings—and it’s a great way to use fresh herbs and local poultry supported by Bay City Cooperative Market. 🌿🍋