Description
This Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, dried rosemary, and fresh lemon slices, then seared to perfection in a cast-iron skillet before finishing in the oven for a tender, flavorful meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, it is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner with a simple yet aromatic profile.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
Marinade and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then add the dried rosemary, lemon slices, sea salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage the ingredients together to coat the chicken thoroughly. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a small 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess oil to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan along with some of the lemon slices. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, ensuring the skin gets crispy. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken thighs and lemon slices to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If not fully cooked, continue baking in 5-minute increments, checking temperature each time.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs adds moisture and crispiness to the chicken.
- A cast-iron skillet is ideal for searing as it retains high heat evenly.
- Always check the internal temperature to ensure safe cooking.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving keeps it juicy.
