Chicken thighs with lemon

Chicken thighs with lemon, a quick and tasty delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

The whole world loves the aroma and taste of properly cooked chicken. This simple yet delicious dish with chicken thighs and lemon is a perfect choice for family dinners or meals with friends. With a quick and easy recipe, you will achieve a juicy, flavorful, and fresh roast.

It is said that food cooked with love brings happiness, and this recipe is no exception. Here’s how you can turn a few simple ingredients into an amazing meal!

Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs (preferably skin-on for richer flavor)
- 3 slices of fresh lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, optional

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This step is essential for ensuring even browning of the chicken thighs.

2. Prepare the thighs: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold running water, then dry them well with paper towels. This will help achieve a crispy crust during baking.

3. Seasoning: In a heatproof dish, place the chicken thighs. Sprinkle salt, pepper, basil, and oregano evenly over the surface of the meat. Add the lemon slices on top of the thighs. The lemon aroma will penetrate the meat, giving it a wonderfully fresh taste.

4. Adding oil and water: Drizzle the thighs with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. Add a cup of water to the dish, which will create steam and keep the meat juicy.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, until the thighs are golden and crispy. This is when the aroma will fill the entire kitchen!

6. Serving: Once the thighs are ready, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat much juicier.

Recommended side dishes:
For a complete meal, I recommend serving the chicken thighs with a side of plain rice or creamy risotto. A fresh vegetable salad or grilled vegetables will add a touch of freshness. Personally, I also added a serving of homemade pickled watermelon to the plate, which provided a perfect contrast to the lemony taste of the chicken.

Useful tips:
- Fresh herb variation: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried ones. A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme can transform this dish into a true feast.
- Boneless chicken thighs: If you prefer leaner meat, use boneless thighs. Cooking will take a little less time, so check the meat after 40 minutes.
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the cooking dish. They will absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken and turn this dish into a complete meal.

Nutritional information (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fat: 25 g

This lemon chicken thigh recipe is simple and quick, perfect for days when you don’t have much time but want to enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you cook it for family or friends, you are sure to impress everyone! Enjoy your meal!