Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, crispy chicken thigh that's bursting with rich garlic flavor and zesty lemon notes. This Crispy Roasted Garlic Chicken isn't just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary experience that will transform your weeknight meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this dish promises to become your new go-to recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy skin on the chicken.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Take the head of garlic and separate the cloves, peeling them as you go. Add the peeled garlic cloves to the bowl with the chicken, mixing them in to distribute evenly.
- Prepare a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil or lining it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the baking dish, skin side up. Make sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
- Scatter the peeled garlic cloves around the chicken in the baking dish. This will allow the garlic to roast and infuse its flavor into the chicken.
- Place the lemon slices on top of the chicken thighs, or you can arrange them around the chicken in the baking dish. The lemon will add a fresh, zesty flavor as it roasts.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for about 50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, you can switch the oven to broil to achieve an extra crispy skin if desired. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help retain the juices in the chicken.
- Serve the crispy roasted garlic chicken hot, garnished with the roasted garlic cloves and lemon slices from the baking dish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin. The high heat helps render the fat and create that irresistible crunch.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between chicken thighs in the baking dish to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Garlic Roasting Hack: Whole roasted garlic cloves not only infuse incredible flavor but also become deliciously caramelized and soft – perfect for spreading on bread or mixing into the chicken.
- Internal Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F at its thickest part. This guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Broiler Finish: For extra crispy skin, switch to broil in the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Resting Period: Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
