Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, olive oil, and basic seasonings. Roasted to crispy golden perfection, this dish strikes a beautiful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors while remaining simple and quick to prepare. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, it makes a rustic yet elegant main course perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and black pepper until a fragrant and vibrant marinade forms that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Toss to coat each piece evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to develop deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Arrange thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet or roasting pan spaced apart for even cooking.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until skin is crisp and golden brown and internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C). Halfway through cooking, baste thighs with the pan juices to keep them juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after roasting. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and serve with lemon wedges to brighten flavors and enhance presentation.
Notes
- Marinate chicken up to 4 hours in advance for the best flavor infusion.
- To reduce fat, use skinless chicken thighs and roast with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- For a spicier version, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Swap parsley with thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an herbal twist.
- You can substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice for different citrus notes.
- Ensure even spacing on the pan so chicken roasts uniformly and skin crisps up nicely.
Keywords: lemon paprika chicken, roast chicken thighs, smoked paprika chicken, easy chicken marinade, crispy roast chicken, baked chicken thighs
