1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, fresh basil, cilantro, garlic, and warming spices like cumin and cayenne. After soaking in the marinade to absorb the layers of flavor, the chicken is roasted until tender and juicy, with the skin crisped under the broiler for added texture. Resting the meat before serving allows the juices to redistribute, offering a moist and aromatic experience that highlights fresh herbs and zesty citrus.

Save on Pinterest Share This Recipe Email This Recipe Print This Recipe Go Directly to Recipe
Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:02:51 GMT
A plate of chicken thighs with herbs and lemon. Save
A plate of chicken thighs with herbs and lemon. | foodiffy.com

This lemon herb roasted chicken thigh recipe is perfect when you want a simple but flavorful weeknight dinner that feels a bit special. The marinade brings fresh bright herbs and citrus to the tender, juicy thighs while the roasting process crisps the skin beautifully.

I made this after grabbing ingredients on a whim and it immediately became a favorite for easy Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

  • Shallot: adds a mild onion sweetness and helps the marinade emulsify well
  • Garlic: boosts savory depth choose firm and plump cloves for the best aroma
  • Fresh basil: brings a sweet herbaceous note pick vibrant green leaves without blemishes
  • Cilantro: adds fresh brightness use fresh bunches for maximum flavor
  • Extra virgin olive oil: binds the marinade and adds richness pick one with a fruity flavor
  • Lemon juice: gives acidity that tenderizes and lifts flavor choose bright, juicy lemons
  • Apple cider vinegar: enhances tang and balances richness opt for raw, unfiltered for best taste
  • Salt and black pepper: season the chicken to taste the salt also helps with moisture control
  • Cayenne pepper: adds a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors use sparingly if sensitive to spice
  • Ground cumin: grounds the marinade with a warm earthy note pick fresh ground for more punch
  • Bone in skin on chicken thighs: stay juicy during cooking and the skin crisps nicely for texture
  • Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper for a foundation before marinating

Instructions

Build the Marinade:
In a food processor or blender combine chopped shallot, garlic, fresh basil, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. Process until completely smooth. This creates a fragrant, balanced base that will soak into the chicken.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels removing extra moisture so the skin crisps better. Lightly season the chicken all over with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or non-reactive container. Pour the marinade over and turn to coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or chill up to 8 hours to deepen flavor and tenderize the meat.
Preheat and Arrange:
Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove chicken from marinade and arrange skin side up on a rimmed baking sheet or in a baking dish. Using a wire rack is optional but helps with crisping the skin evenly.
Roast Until Done:
Bake the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For extra crispy skin, broil the thighs about 2 minutes with the chicken 6 inches away from the heating element — watch carefully to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve:
Remove chicken from oven and tent loosely with foil to rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Lemon herb roasted chicken thighs with corn on the cob.
Lemon herb roasted chicken thighs with corn on the cob. | foodiffy.com

My favorite ingredient is fresh cilantro — it really makes this marinade pop with a fresh, citrusy aroma. This dish also brings back memories of family dinners where everyone would eagerly grab the crispy skin first.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to four days. Reheat gently covered to prevent drying out. Leftover marinade can be discarded as it was in contact with raw chicken.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don&t have cilantro swap with fresh parsley for a milder, herbaceous flavor. You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice if you prefer a sharper citrus tang. Use chicken drumsticks if you want a different cut but cook times may vary.

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. This chicken also pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful juices.

A plate of chicken thighs with a lemon wedge on the side.
A plate of chicken thighs with a lemon wedge on the side. | foodiffy.com

This recipe brings a fresh, bright, and crispy chicken dish that families will love for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to infuse well, but up to 8 hours refrigerated yields even more tender and flavorful chicken.

→ What is the best way to ensure crispy skin?

After roasting, broiling the chicken skin side up for 2 minutes crisps up the skin nicely without drying out the meat.

→ Can bone-in thighs be substituted with boneless?

Bone-in thighs retain moisture better and offer richer flavor, but boneless can be used—adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

→ Is using fresh herbs essential for this dish?

Fresh basil and cilantro brighten the marinade, giving it a lively and aromatic character that dried herbs cannot fully replicate.

→ What side dishes pair well with lemon herb chicken thighs?

Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light salad complement the citrusy and herbaceous notes beautifully.

Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Succulent chicken thighs marinated with lemon, basil, cilantro, and spices, oven roasted to crispy perfection.

Preparation Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
45 mins
Overall Time
55 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cultural Origin: American

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings (8 chicken thighs)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Marinade

01 1 shallot, roughly chopped
02 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
03 15 g fresh basil, roughly chopped
04 15 g fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
05 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
06 Juice of 2 lemons (approximately 60 ml)
07 15 ml apple cider vinegar
08 0.5 g salt
09 0.5 g ground black pepper
10 0.25 g cayenne pepper
11 0.25 g ground cumin

→ Chicken

12 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
13 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Combine shallot, garlic, basil, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne in a food processor. Puree until smooth.

Step 02

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and black pepper.

Step 03

Place chicken in a large resealable bag or non-reactive container. Pour marinade over chicken and mix to coat evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 8 hours.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 190°C.

Step 05

Remove chicken from marinade and arrange skin side up on rimmed baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C.

Step 06

Broil the chicken for approximately 2 minutes with oven rack positioned about 15 cm from heat source to crisp the skin.

Step 07

Remove chicken from oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Extra Suggestions

  1. For enhanced flavor, marinate overnight. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C for safe consumption.

Necessary Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Rimmed baking sheet or baking dish
  • Resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container
  • Oven
  • Meat thermometer

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains none of the major common allergens but may contain traces depending on ingredient brand.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 350
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g