Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
An incredible dish that brings a burst of flavor with succulent chicken thighs enveloped in zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Brine
- 3 tablespoons Celtic sea salt Avoid table salt, as it can interfere with brining.
- 1 tablespoon honey For a touch of sweetness.
- 1-2 quarts warm/room temperature water Enough to cover the chicken.
Main Ingredients
- 5-6 pieces bone-in skin-on chicken thighs Or a combination of thighs and breasts.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil For added richness.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced To enhance the aromatic properties.
- 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Dependent on your preference for heat.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs A mixture of rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
- 1 piece lemon, sliced into wedges To bring a refreshing zest.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced Optional but delicious for added burst of flavor.
For Seasoning
- to taste Celtic sea salt For rubbing on the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large stainless steel or glass bowl, whisk together Celtic sea salt, honey, and warm water to create your brine.
- Place the chicken into the brine, cover it, and transfer it to the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the brine and pat each piece thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a large baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil and minced garlic, then brush or rub this mixture over the thighs.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and Celtic sea salt.
- Allow the seasoned thighs to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat the broiler to high and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- Tuck the lemon wedges around the chicken in the baking dish and broil skin side up for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
- After broiling, sprinkle the chicken with chopped herbs and add cherry tomatoes if using.
- Switch the oven to bake at 400°F and bake for approximately 25-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175°F for thighs.
- Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with any remaining herbs and drizzle the juices over the chicken.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, consider brining overnight. Adjust herbs based on personal preference, and ensure the chicken is thoroughly dry before applying oil and garlic for crispy skin.