Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme) - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika To make garlic herb roasted chicken thighs, you need bone-in, skin-on chicken. This type of chicken stays juicy during cooking. The skin crisps up nicely, adding flavor. For herbs, we use fresh thyme and rosemary. They provide a savory taste. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too. Garlic adds a strong and fragrant kick. Extra virgin olive oil helps the herbs stick. It also keeps the chicken moist. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They add a zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken. Lastly, season with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. These ingredients enhance the overall taste and give it a warm color. - Fresh parsley - Lemon wedges for serving For garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also gives a fresh taste. Lemon wedges are great for serving on the side. You can squeeze them over the chicken before eating. This adds a bright flavor that makes the meal more delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you want to dry your chicken thighs well. Use paper towels to gently pat them. This helps the skin become crispy when cooked. Seasoning and marinating are key steps. By adding salt and pepper, you enhance the taste. Letting the chicken sit in the marinade allows the flavors to soak in. Next, I mix my herbs and spices. In a bowl, combine garlic, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until well blended. To maximize flavor, coat the chicken thighs thoroughly. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the skin get crispy. Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For a crispy skin, place the chicken skin-side up on the baking sheet. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle. Enjoy the delicious, flavorful chicken! To get the best crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step helps remove moisture and allows the skin to crisp up nicely. Next, marinate the chicken well. Use a mix of garlic, herbs, and oil to coat the thighs. Massage the marinade in for a few minutes. This helps the flavors seep into the meat. You can swap out herbs to fit your taste. If you don’t have thyme, use oregano or basil instead. For rosemary, sage works great too. Want more flavor? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness. You can even try citrus zest from oranges or limes for a twist. Pair your chicken thighs with vibrant sides. Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and broccoli work well. A simple salad with greens and a light vinaigrette complements the dish nicely. For a stunning presentation, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Surround it with colorful veggies and drizzle with pan juices. Add lemon wedges for a fresh touch. Pro Tips Pat Dry for Crispiness: Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before applying the marinade. This step helps achieve perfectly crispy skin during roasting. Marinate Overnight: For an even more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the herbs and garlic to penetrate the meat more deeply. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after roasting. This resting period helps retain the juices, making the meat more tender and flavorful. {{image_4}} You can cook garlic herb roasted chicken thighs in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky touch. It seals in flavor while giving the meat a nice char. Just marinate the thighs as usual. Place them on a hot grill for about 10-12 minutes on each side. The key is to check that the inside reaches 165°F (74°C). Roasting is my favorite method. It keeps the skin crispy and the meat juicy. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast for 35-40 minutes. The skin will turn golden brown while the seasonings seep into the meat. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose what fits your mood. If you have a slow cooker, you can adapt the recipe. Just use the same marinade. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender. You won’t get crispy skin, but the flavors will still shine. You can change the flavor by mixing different herbs and spices. Try basil, oregano, or dill instead of thyme and rosemary. Each herb gives a unique taste. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. To explore global flavors, use cumin or coriander for a Middle Eastern twist. Marinating can also change the taste. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for a few hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor. Combine citrus juices like lime or orange for a fresh twist. You can also add honey for a sweet touch. If you are gluten-free, this recipe is already safe! All the ingredients fit within gluten-free diets. Just ensure your spices don’t contain hidden gluten. For those on a low-carb diet, skip the honey and focus on herbs and spices. Use olive oil for cooking and pair the chicken with non-starchy veggies like broccoli or zucchini. For vegetarian options, consider using cauliflower or portobello mushrooms. Marinate them with the same herbs and roast until tender. This gives a similar flavor profile without meat. Enjoy experimenting with these variations for a delicious meal! After enjoying your garlic herb roasted chicken thighs, store any leftovers right away. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the moisture in and prevents drying. You can refrigerate the chicken for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat, use a low oven setting. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep the heat in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This way, the chicken stays juicy and warm. Freezing is a great option if you have extra chicken. To freeze, wrap each thigh in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps out air and helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use frozen chicken, move it to the fridge. Let it thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, place the sealed bag in cold water. After thawing, cook the chicken as usual. Enjoy the same great flavors! To get the best results, cook chicken thighs for 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. This time allows the skin to become crispy and the meat to stay juicy. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C). Boneless thighs can be just as tasty with the same marinade. Pair garlic herb roasted chicken thighs with a variety of sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers - A light, zesty salad with greens and lemon vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting touch - Quinoa or rice for a healthy grain option These sides will balance the flavors and make a complete meal. In this post, I shared how to make delicious garlic herb roasted chicken thighs. We covered key ingredients, prepping techniques, and cooking methods. I shared tips for achieving crispy skin and enhancing flavors. You can even adapt recipes for different diets and preferences. As you cook and experiment, remember that practice makes perfect. Use fresh herbs and don’t rush the marinating process. With these tips, you can create a meal that impresses everyone at your table. Enjoy the cooking journey!$

Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

A deliciously seasoned roasted chicken dish with garlic and herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, zest and juice
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before roasting for optimal crispiness.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to form a fragrant herb marinade.
Using paper towels, gently pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure a crispy skin. Transfer the thighs to a large mixing bowl to prepare for seasoning.
Pour the aromatic herb marinade over the chicken thighs, using your hands to thoroughly coat each piece. Massage the marinade into the thighs for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring every crevice absorbs the flavors.
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or place them in a preheated cast-iron skillet for an extra touch of rustic flavor.
Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the skin is beautifully crispy and golden brown.
Once roasted to perfection, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps retain its juiciness.
Just before serving, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a delightful burst of color and freshness. Pair the chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables or a light, zesty salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad.

Keyword chicken, garlic, herbs, roasted