The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Perfect Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs
Golden, crispy chicken thighs infused with the bright flavors of lemon and the earthiness of fresh thyme. This dish is simple yet elegant, perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (4–6) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil, as needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
- 5–6 fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle olive oil over the thighs and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Start Cooking in a Cold Skillet:
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a cold cast-iron skillet in a single layer.
- Set the skillet over medium heat and let the chicken cook undisturbed for 14–15 minutes, rendering fat from the skin and creating a golden, crispy texture.
- Add Flavors:
- Flip the chicken so it’s skin-side up.
- Scatter the lemon slices and thyme sprigs over the chicken.
- Roast to Perfection:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 13–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs.
- Serve the chicken with the roasted lemon slices and enjoy!
Notes
- For the Crispiest Skin: Always start cooking the chicken in a cold skillet to render the fat slowly.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use any heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.