You know those quick and easy dinners that you can always count on. You know, the ones that are ready in less than 30 minutes and can double as leftovers the next day? Yup, these Lemon Chicken Thighs are exactly that!
Laced with plenty of citrus and fresh herbs under the skin – you can bet ever single bite of these is going to be packed with a pop of fresh flavor! Serve them alongside some pesto broccolini and dinner is done in a flash. Or if you have some leftovers, shred the chicken up and use it in Mexican Lasagna or make some Greek Chicken Stuffed Pitas you do weeknight dinners for sure!
Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs
A quick and easy dinner you can count on! These chicken thighs are laced with plenty of citrus and fresh herbs – you can bet ever single bite of these is going to be packed with a pop of fresh flavor!
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh tarragon
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 lemon cut into 8 rounds
Instructions
- Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 400°F
- Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Tuck a few leaves of tarragon and thyme under the chicken skin. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof skillet or fry pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin side down, and cook until the fat has rendered and the skin is crisp and golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer, skin side up, to a plate.
- Pour off the excess fat from the pan. Return the chicken, skin side up, to the pan and scatter the lemon slices on top. Transfer to the oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh, away from the bone, registers 170°F (77°C), 18 to 20 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken and lemon slices to a platter and scatter an additional 2-3 tablespoons of fresh herbs on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking
I only recently got into cooking with chicken thighs, so I’m all about trying this delicious sounding recipe…and is there anything better than crispy chicken skin…yum!!
These look absolutely mouthwatering!!
This is just the recipe I need for this crazy week. You rock! Also, tarragon? Love it with chicken.
Great weeknight dinner!
So nice and easy and so good! Yum!
Well this is my kind of meal – fast and easy, leftovers – um, hella yes.
Ohh I LOVE the crispy skin on that chicken!!!
I LOVE the 30 minute meal almost as much as I love having leftovers to use in another meal later in the week!! These look amazing!
Yup, I want these!! Have mercy, these look perfect!
I made this last night for dinner. My hubby and I loved it! it was a hit 🙂
yay!! love that 🙂
Mouth-wateringly delicious!!
I would eat all the crispy skin in one sitting! Leave the chicken for later. YUM!
Love this dinner idea!!
Lemon and tarragon? This definitely gets my vote!
I make chicken thighs at least once a week. Definitely giving this method a try!
Simple recipes always taste best and this one looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
This is just the kind of thing I love to cook! It always feels great to know that what you’re cooking tonight will make the next night or two that much easier but still delicious. Gorgeous photo too!
Gaby! Wanted to tell you that I recently signed up to receive your posts via email and I’m loving it. All your recipes are pretty healthy and Californian inspired (which I adore). I can’t wait to make this chicken for my boyfriend! Really beautiful photos, too!
omg you are so sweet!! thank you 🙂 Wish we lived closer so we could cook together!!! xoxo
Has anyone tried making this dish with bone & skinless thighs?
I am sold! You cannot go wrong with a quick and easy dinner that is delicious!!
These are amazing! I made them with a side of steamed California wild rice and everyone wanted seconds 🙂 total keeper. Thanks for sharing!
YUM! Would this work with olive oil? Or would it not get crispy enough? Thanks, Gaby!
Quick, easy and delicious sounds like a winner!
What a perfect dinner recipe!!
OMG!!! It’s also Whole30 compliant- I am SO making this. the crispy skin has me swooning!
My wife has a recipe for lemon chicken that is a big favorite that she uses for family get togethers and picnics. Hers involves skinless/boneless pieces that are browned before baking.
Prefer skin on (and w/bone) so your variation is a nice change.
Thanks for the alternative.
I’ve made these for my family a few times now, and they are always a hit! The crispy skin is perfect, and the chicken is so juicy and flavorful. Even two semi-picky kids are happy. Thanks Gaby!
Making these to start my New Year off right! You know what I would love…. if you recommended some of your sides that you think would go well with your recipes. That is the only thing in the whole world that I think could make your blog posts any better! Thanks for being so awesome.
I’m on it!
Finger licking good!!!
Totally forgot to add my lemon slices but this chicken still came perfectly. I’ll be making this over and over again!
This recipe is so great. A new family favorite that is in the rotation. Simple incredients that come together quickly to make a delicious meal. Thanks Gaby!
Can you make this with boneless skinless chicken thighs? I have some in our refrigerator right now, but this recipe calls for bone in/skin on.
yes! just won’t cook for quite so long