Chicken with lemon and rosemary is a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and elegant enough for special occasions. The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor while the rosemary imparts a fragrant, earthy note. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious meal:
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 4-5 fresh rosemary sprigs (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for extra moisture)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Rub each piece with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
-
Add Lemon and Rosemary:
- Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish or ovenproof skillet.
- Arrange the lemon slices around and on top of the chicken.
- Tuck the rosemary sprigs around the chicken pieces.
-
Bake the Chicken:
- If using, pour the chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the baking dish to help keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
-
Optional Broil:
- If you like extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
-
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired.
Tips
- Chicken Choices: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay moist and flavorful. However, you can use chicken breasts or even a whole chicken, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Lemon Variations: For a more intense lemon flavor, you can squeeze additional lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
- Side Dishes: This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. The pan juices are great for drizzling over the side dishes.
Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic chicken with lemon and rosemary—perfect for a simple yet sophisticated meal!
