Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients. This Rosemary Chicken with Lemon is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. With golden, crispy skin, fragrant rosemary, and a bright citrus twist, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure to season under the skin as well for maximum flavor.
- Finely chop the fresh rosemary leaves, releasing their aromatic oils and ensuring even distribution of flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and sprinkle the chopped rosemary evenly, massaging the herbs and oil into the meat.
- Arrange the lemon slices around and underneath the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper heat circulation.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly - this is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crispy skin that will have everyone asking for your cooking secrets.
- Don't rush the seasoning! Take time to massage the herbs and oil into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible - the difference in aroma and taste is remarkable compared to dried herbs.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time. The target is 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy meat.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each piece is moist and tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - they're more forgiving and tend to be more flavorful than chicken breasts.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 335kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
