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Weeknight • Chicken

Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

These irresistibly crispy, juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with bright lemon and fragrant herbs for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Forget dry chicken! These Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs are here to prove that weeknight chicken can be both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully juicy. The secret to that perfectly golden, crispy skin? A little patience and a hot pan, plus a vibrant lemon-herb seasoning that makes every bite sing. This recipe is designed to be effortlessly delicious, giving you restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, half sliced into rounds, half for juicing
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin! Season generously all over with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy.

  3. Step 3

    Flip the chicken thighs and add the lemon slices to the pan. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170-175°F (77-79°C).

  4. Step 4

    Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken, and let rest in the skillet for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips

  • Don't overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure crispy skin.
  • Serve alongside roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or rice for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be shredded and added to salads or sandwiches.

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