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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the chicken skin while roasting.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on each thigh, coating well on all sides for maximum flavor penetration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
