Juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks are roasted to perfection in a zesty lemon-garlic marinade, creating a dish bursting with brightness and flavor. Finished with caramelized lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this easy yet vibrant recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is packed with fresh, bold flavors thanks to the combination of lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. The chicken is marinated for maximum tenderness and roasted until beautifully golden and juicy. It’s a simple dish that delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Ideal for busy evenings, it also stores and reheats well, making it a great addition to any meal plan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Top each piece with a slice of lemon.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
Variations
- Boneless Option: Use boneless, skinless thighs to reduce cooking time; roast for 25–30 minutes.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier profile.
- Herb Swap: Try thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a different herbaceous finish.
- Vegetable Pairing: Roast with sliced potatoes or carrots in the same pan for a one-dish meal.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute part of the lemon juice with orange juice for a milder, sweeter citrus note.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, covering loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours in the refrigerator is ideal.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, though the result may be slightly less juicy. Adjust cooking time to 25–30 minutes depending on thickness.
Do I have to use Dijon mustard?
Dijon adds depth, but you can substitute it with whole grain mustard or omit it entirely for a simpler flavor.
Can I grill this chicken instead of roasting?
Yes, grill over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
Is it okay to freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade and thaw overnight before cooking for an easy make-ahead meal.
What sides go well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, rice, couscous, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with lemon herb roasted chicken.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Will the lemon slices burn in the oven?
They will caramelize and add flavor. If they brown too quickly, tent the dish with foil during roasting.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and retains its flavor and moisture even when made a day in advance.
Conclusion
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs offer a harmonious blend of tangy citrus, savory herbs, and tender, juicy meat. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, this recipe is a dependable go-to for both weeknight meals and relaxed entertaining. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a wholesome and delicious dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Print
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (excluding marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks roasted in a zesty lemon-garlic marinade, finished with caramelized lemon slices and fresh herbs — a vibrant, flavorful main perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour marinade over. Toss to coat and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
- Arrange chicken in a baking dish or ovenproof skillet. Top each piece with a lemon slice.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Leftovers make great additions to salads or wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *