Description
This Lemon Parmesan Roasted Chicken recipe offers a zesty and savory weeknight meal featuring juicy, bone-in chicken thighs roasted to golden perfection with a flavorful blend of lemon, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly balanced with bright citrus notes and rich umami, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (or melted butter)
- 2 whole Lemons (fresh, juiced and zested)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to roast the chicken to a crispy, golden finish.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to help the skin crisp during roasting. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest and juice from two lemons, minced garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Apply the Marinade: Brush the prepared marinade evenly over each chicken thigh, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated for maximum flavor penetration.
- Add Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese liberally on top of each coated chicken piece to form a savory crust during roasting.
- Roast the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking sheet or roasting pan in a single layer. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps retain the juices. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs helps retain juiciness and enhances the crispy texture.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute with garlic powder for convenience.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Allow resting time after roasting to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a light green salad for a balanced meal.
