Roasted Chicken Thighs with Fresh Thyme and Lemon
Poultry

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Fresh Thyme and Lemon

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated November 1, 2026

Tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated overnight in lemon juice, garlic, and fresh thyme, then roasted to golden perfection. A fuss-free family recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort — the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with the most wonderful aroma.

Prep⏱️ 120 min
Servings👥 5 servings
Difficulty📊 Easy
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🛒 Ingredients

5 servings

5
  • 2.2 lbs (1 kg) bone-in chicken thighs
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh thyme sprigs, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • A drizzle of olive oil

Directions

  1. 1

    The night before, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, olive oil, and salt in a large bowl.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat every piece thoroughly with the marinade.

  3. 3

    Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop.

  4. 4

    The next day, arrange the thighs skin-side down in a roasting dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the top and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

  5. 5

    Roast at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked through and tender.

  6. 6

    Remove the foil, flip the thighs skin-side up, and raise the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

  7. 7

    Continue roasting until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Serve immediately.

💡 Chef's Tip

Add a few lemon slices to the roasting dish during the final browning stage for an extra citrus boost. Pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or a simple green salad.