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Crispy Lemon Chicken with Zesty Herb Glaze

crispy lemon chicken - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a crispy skin and a bright, zesty lemon herb glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 cup / 60 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dust the skin side with 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. When shimmering, place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes without moving until deep golden crust forms.
  4. Flip the chicken skin side up and transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the skin is bubbly and crisp.
  6. While the chicken roasts, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until well blended.
  7. Remove chicken from oven and transfer to a serving platter.
  8. Pour the glaze into the hot roasting pan and place the pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring to loosen caramelized bits.
  9. Add butter (if using) to the glaze and swirl until melted for a silky finish.
  10. Drizzle the warm glaze generously over the chicken thighs and scatter fresh parsley on top.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken skin very dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy skin. Broil for 1-2 minutes if skin is not crispy enough, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy lemon chicken, lemon herb glaze, easy chicken recipe, roasted chicken thighs, zesty chicken, weeknight dinner, herb chicken