Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for maximum flavor and juiciness. The bone and skin help to keep the chicken moist during cooking and render out delicious fat.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced, provide a pungent and aromatic base flavor. Garlic is essential for that classic savory taste.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used to coat the chicken and help the herbs and garlic adhere. It also adds richness and healthy fats.
- Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary brings a piney, earthy, and slightly peppery note to the dish. Fresh rosemary is preferred for its vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Fresh Thyme: Thyme offers a delicate, slightly minty, and earthy flavor that complements rosemary and garlic beautifully. Fresh thyme is ideal for its bright taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, clean, and slightly peppery flavor, as well as a vibrant green color to the herb mixture. Flat-leaf parsley is recommended for its stronger flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors, adds acidity to balance the richness, and tenderizes the chicken slightly.
- Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt is used to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients and season the chicken properly.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the herbs and garlic.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare a Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect for roasting chicken thighs to crispy perfection while keeping them juicy inside. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet. Using a greased dish will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking. A 9×13 inch baking dish or a 12-inch skillet works well for about 6-8 chicken thighs.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This mixture forms the heart of the flavor for your chicken. Ensure the garlic is finely minced to release its aroma fully. Chop the fresh herbs finely to allow their flavors to infuse the chicken effectively. The lemon juice should be freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor. Mix all these ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. This fragrant marinade is ready to elevate your chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs into the bowl with the garlic herb marinade. Using your hands or tongs, toss the chicken thighs to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Make sure the marinade gets under the skin of the chicken thighs as much as possible to maximize flavor penetration. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful and tender chicken. If marinating in the refrigerator, bring the chicken to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of roasting it, preventing the skin from getting crispy. If you have too many thighs for one pan, use two baking dishes or cook in batches. Ensure the chicken is skin-side up to allow the skin to crisp up beautifully during roasting.
- Roast the Chicken Thighs: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) reads 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your oven. During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to further crisp up the chicken skin and achieve a golden-brown color. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this time to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Covering the chicken loosely with foil while it rests can help keep it warm.
- Serve and Enjoy: After resting, your Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs are ready to be served. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the delicious flavors of garlic and herbs infused into perfectly juicy and tender chicken thighs!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g