Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe
Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and juicy dish combining smoky paprika, fresh lemon, and garlic to create an irresistibly aromatic and crispy-skinned chicken. Perfectly roasted in the oven, this recipe is simple yet elegant, ideal for elevating weeknight meals or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This fragrant marinade will infuse the chicken with bright and smoky flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet or roasting pan, ensuring they have room for even cooking.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, baste the chicken with its pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after roasting to reabsorb the juices. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes but not more than 4 hours for best texture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of roasting if desired.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika but flavor will be less smoky.
- All ingredients are naturally gluten-free—verify your paprika brand if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in an oven at 325°F (160°C) to retain moisture and texture.
Keywords: lemon paprika chicken, roasted chicken thighs, smoky chicken recipe, easy oven chicken, citrus chicken bake
