Here’s a simple yet elegant recipe for Classic Lemon Rosemary Baked Chicken — juicy, fragrant, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion!
🍋 Classic Lemon Rosemary Baked Chicken
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min bake)
🧂 Ingredients:
-
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
-
2 lemons (1 sliced thin, 1 juiced)
-
3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tbsp dried rosemary)
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
Optional: 1 tsp paprika or chili flakes for a touch of heat
👩🍳 Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare the chicken
-
Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
-
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and rosemary leaves (strip them from stems).
-
Toss chicken in this mixture until well coated.
-
-
Arrange for baking
-
Place chicken pieces skin-side up in a baking dish.
-
Arrange lemon slices around and on top of chicken.
-
-
Bake
-
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy.
-
-
Rest & serve
-
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
-
Spoon pan juices over the top. Garnish with extra rosemary if desired.
-
✅ Tips & Variations:
-
Add roasted potatoes or veggies (like carrots, onions) to the baking dish for a full meal.
-
Use bone-in chicken breasts for a leaner option.
-
Swap rosemary for thyme or oregano for different herb flavors.
-
For extra crisp skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes watching closely.