Description
A flavorful Lemon Rosemary Chicken recipe featuring crispy seared bone-in chicken thighs baked to juicy perfection with a zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh rosemary sauce. Perfectly balanced with savory and tangy notes, this dish is hearty yet refreshing and ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs with skin (about 6 large thighs or 8 small)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Lemon Rosemary Sauce
- 3-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (minced)
- 2 large lemons (juiced)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add avocado oil, then place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned and crispy. The chicken does not need to be completely cooked at this point.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken thighs into the prepared baking dish, arranging them with the skin side up to retain crispiness during baking.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, fresh rosemary, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the lemon rosemary sauce.
- Apply Sauce and Garnish: Pour the lemon rosemary mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Then add extra fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices on top for aroma and presentation.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Serve: Once cooked, spoon additional lemon rosemary sauce over the chicken. Serve warm over mashed potatoes or rice, accompanied by a vegetable side of your choice. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- You can use any bone-in chicken parts, but thighs provide the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Do not skip searing the chicken; it ensures crispy skin and a richer flavor.
- Adjust salt quantity to your taste and dietary requirements.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with extra avocado oil or a plant-based butter.
- Lemon slices and rosemary sprigs are optional but add a lovely aroma and garnish.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked without drying it out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
