Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken

Last Tuesday my kitchen smelled like a Mediterranean restaurant, and honestly, I wasn't mad about it. I'd forgotten to marinate anything overnight, so this lemon garlic chicken became my save-the-dinner solution. The way the lemon zest catches in the hot pan? That's the sound that tells you everything's going to be okay.

My sister was over that night, and she kept asking what smelled so incredible. When I pulled the chicken from the oven, she actually hovered around the baking sheet like a shark. We ended up eating standing up, picking at the edges while the rest of the chicken rested.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The bone keeps the meat moist and the skin creates its own crispy crust
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic mellows beautifully when roasted
• Zest of 1 lemon: The essential oils pack way more flavor than juice alone
• Juice of 1 lemon: Acidity cuts through the rich chicken skin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy backbone that holds up to high heat
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Floral and bright, pairs perfectly with lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning through to the bone
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Just enough warmth to balance the citrus
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving: Makes everything look intentional and bright

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F:

High heat is the secret to crispy skin, so don't be shy with that temperature dial

Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry:

Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so really get in there with those paper towels

Whisk together your marinade:

Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until fragrant

Coat the chicken well:

Pour the marinade over the chicken and use your hands to massage it into every nook and cranny

Arrange skin-side up:

Place chicken in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, making sure none of the pieces overlap

Roast until golden and cooked through:

Let it go for about 35 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and the internal temp hits 165°F

Rest before serving:

Give the chicken 5 minutes to settle so the juices redistribute back into the meat

Save

That night became a regular thing now. My sister texts me whenever she smells roasted lemon drifting from her own kitchen, like we're part of some secret crispy chicken society.

Getting That Crispy Skin

I've learned that patience during the drying phase pays off enormously. Sometimes I'll pat the chicken dry, then leave it uncovered in the fridge for an hour before cooking. The air circulation works magic on the skin's texture.

Marinating Wisely

Ten minutes of marinating is perfectly fine, but thirty minutes makes the garlic flavor really sing. I wouldn't go much longer than an hour though, since the lemon juice can start breaking down the meat's texture if left too long.

Serving Ideas

This chicken carries itself well, but the right sides make it a complete meal. I love how the pan juices mingle with whatever's underneath.

• Roasted potatoes tucked around the chicken catch all those flavorful drippings
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness
• Warm crusty bread for sopping up the lemon garlic pan juices

Save

Simple recipes like this are why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. Just good ingredients, treated right, making people happy around the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure crispy skin on chicken thighs?

Pat the chicken thighs dry before marinating and roast skin-side up at a high temperature; broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end enhances crispiness.

→ Can I use different herbs in the marinade?

Yes, fresh thyme and oregano work well, but rosemary or basil can also add delightful flavors depending on your preference.

→ Is it possible to substitute other chicken cuts?

Chicken breasts can be used but require adjusting the cooking time to prevent drying out.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad complement the zesty chicken nicely.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 10 minutes allows flavors to meld, though a longer marination can deepen taste.