Lemon Roasted Chicken

Sumptuously delicious and easy to prepare, lemon roasted chicken is the ideal DIY date-night dinner recipe. It’s got the kind of bold flavors you might not expect from so few ingredients and it’s also a fairly versatile dish—you can use whatever chicken parts you prefer, add different herbs and ramp up the lemon if you want more tanginess. This recipe also incorporates fingerling potatoes and cherry tomatoes for a well-rounded one-pan meal. Serve it with simply dressed greens on the side and you’ve got yourself one mighty tasty and impressive dinner to enjoy with your sweetheart (or anyone you love). 

Ingredients for Lemon Roasted Chicken

• Olive oil: As opposed to more neutral-tasting oils, olive oil lends a subtle flavor to this dish.
• Lemon: A crucial ingredient, lemon adds a juiciness and tenderness to chicken in addition to adding flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Take time to mince the garlic so the garlicky flavor gets evenly distributed.
• Grated lemon zest: The peel of a lemon (not just the juice) adds essential brightness to lemon roasted chicken.
• Salt and pepper: We like adding salt to taste as you go in this recipe.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the skin crisps up nicely in the oven.
• Dried rosemary: Rosemary infuses this dish with fresh, zesty flavor.
• Fingerling potatoes: Fingerlings have thin skin and thus don’t need to be peeled.
• Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a welcome sweetness to lemon roasted chicken.
• Fresh parsley: Feel free to use whatever fresh herbs you like or have on hand (just make sure they’re fresh!)

Directions

Step 1: Grease a skillet

Preheat oven to 450°. Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet with one teaspoon oil. Arrange lemon slices in a single layer in the skillet.

Step 2: Make the marinade

Combine one teaspoon of oil, two minced garlic cloves, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; rub over the chicken. Place over lemon.

Step 3: Marinate the potatoes

In a large bowl, combine the rosemary and the remaining oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the potatoes and tomatoes; toss to coat. Arrange over chicken.

Step 4: Bake the chicken and potatoes

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and the potatoes are tender. If desired, sprinkle with minced parsley before serving.

Lemon Roasted Chicken Recipe Variations

• Baste the chicken in butter: Baste the chicken with butter for extra flavor and richness.
• Add more lemon: If you really like lemon flavor, consider adding a bit more lemon juice and zest than what the recipe calls for.

How to Store Lemon Roasted Chicken

This roasted chicken makes for delicious leftovers because the flavors are allowed to mingle. Store your leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator and then enjoy over steamed greens or other veggies.

How long does lemon roasted chicken last?

This lemon roasted chicken will last for at least three to four days when stored properly.

Lemon Roasted Chicken Recipe Tips

What should I serve with lemon roasted chicken?

Aside from the potatoes, we love serving lemon roasted chicken with roasted vegetables (like carrots, turnips or leeks) and a leafy green salad.

How can I make sure my lemon roasted chicken has the right texture?

You want your chicken to have crispy skin and tender, juicy insides. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating and allow it to rest for 15 minutes after cooking to ensure optimal crispness and juiciness.

Can I marinate this chicken overnight so it has better flavor?

Yes. You could marinate the chicken overnight for flavor depth (Step 2 only), although it is not necessary for this recipe.