Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of zesty citrus and smoky spices. This easy recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy meat, making it a savory delight for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over each thigh, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Step 4: Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the chicken thighs and sprinkle the lemon zest on top.
5. Step 5: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and arrange the lemon slices around them.
6. Step 6: Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika to add a deeper smoky flavor.
• Add a few garlic cloves to the baking dish for an aromatic boost.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain crispy skin. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs will work but will cook faster, so reduce the roasting time and check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.

What can I use instead of fresh lemon?

If fresh lemon is not available, use 1-2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of lemon zest or dried lemon peel to maintain the bright citrus flavor.

Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs recipe offers a deliciously savory and zesty flavor profile. Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are rubbed with a vibrant blend of paprika, garlic, onion powder, and oregano, then roasted to perfection with fresh lemon juice, zest, and slices for a crisp, fragrant finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is both flavorful and straightforward to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the chicken skin while roasting.
2. Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, creating a balanced and aromatic seasoning blend.
3. Prepare chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels which helps achieve crispy skin. Rub olive oil evenly over all surfaces of each thigh to help the spices adhere and facilitate browning.
4. Season chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on each thigh, coating well on all sides for maximum flavor penetration.
5. Add lemon flavor: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the spiced chicken thighs, then sprinkle the lemon zest on top to introduce fresh citrus notes.
6. Arrange in baking dish: Place the chicken thighs into a baking dish, arranging lemon slices around them to infuse the chicken with aromatic lemon scent during roasting.
7. Roast chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), confirming the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken thighs are patted dry for the crispiest skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for safety and best results.
• Lemon slices add extra flavor and can also be served alongside the chicken.
• Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice color contrast and freshness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: roast chicken thighs, lemon paprika chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, crispy skin chicken, lemon chicken recipe