Delicious juicy and tender baked chicken. Fresh lemons, garlic, rosemary and thyme. Seasoned and coated with a butter-herb sauce and baked to perfection.
I originally posted this recipe back in September, 2015. WOW!? Has it really been that long? This is the easiest meal of all time! Simple ingredients kind of easy. So, I decided to dust this Lemon Thyme Chicken off and bring it back to the top of the food blog!
Ohhh…this Lemon Thyme Chicken.
But wait. I feel the need to open up and be honest with you guys about something for a minute. I’m kinda embarrassed to be writing this, but my son says he hates chicken. And he asks me all the time now to stop making so much chicken. But I’m struggling with this for so many reasons…
- I’m a food blogger. I’ve been know to make some DELICIOUS chicken recipes, like my Lemon Butter Chicken…ok everyone loves this chicken recipe.
- Ok, it’s true – I do make a lot of chicken recipes. But ya’ll… chicken is CRAZY versatile. Do you know how many recipe variations you can create with chicken?!? A ton. And hubby likes chicken. It’s a no-brainer win-win situation. I feed the man what he loves.
- But here’s my number one struggle with my son’s statement. Every time he asks what we are having for dinner and I say chicken, he rolls his eyes, slumps into his chair and says, “ugh mom, come on…chicken again?!” I then put the plate in front of him, he takes a bite and he’s like, “OMG mom, this is delicious!” Every. Single. Chicken. Recipe.
Do you get my confusion?! He’s only 9 so I’ll cut him some slack. This Lemon Thyme Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary recipe was one of the “ugh chicken” recipe moments where he took a bite, chewed for a few seconds and then praised my existence for being the best “cooker” in the world. Mom’s life. Being a mom can be so hard sometimes 🙂
Recipe worth repeating over and over and over again…that is THIS recipe. Juicy, tender and full of lip smackin flavor! If you like lemon chicken recipes, you’re going to love this bad boy. Because it’s lemony! Is that a word?
Let’s talk ingredients so you know what you’re getting yourself into. SIMPLE INGREDIENTS.
Ingredients For This Lemon Thyme Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary
- Chicken thighgs
- Butter
- Fresh Rosemary
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
Did you catch the word “fresh” in the list of ingredients? Everything about this recipe is fresh.
How To Make Lemon Thyme Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary
Step 1
First, we need to make the marinade because that’s what makes this recipe POP!. The marinating process is absolutely essential…I HIGHLY recommend you don’t skip this step. What you’ll need to do first is place lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
Step 2
Next, take the tip of a sharp knife and cut into each chicken piece 2 to 3 times, about 1/2 an inch wide and thick. This helps the marinade really get in and penetrate that chicken. OH flavor…I SO need you to be there! My son needs the flavor to be there! Because it’s another chicken recipe. Yeah for this method because this is the step that brings…FLAVOR TO THE DINNER TABLE!
Step 3
Ok, now we need to marinate this Lemon Thyme Chicken overnight. You’re going to place the chicken pieces and the marinade in a gallon size freezer bag. Rotate bag so all chicken pieces are coated with the marinade. Seal that bag and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 4
After the chicken thighs have marinated, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Take that chicken from the marinade and place in a single layer in a large baking dish. I use a 9×13 glass pyrex dish. Use a pastry brush to brush a small amount of melted butter on top of each piece of chicken. You’re going to bake the Lemon Thyme Chicken for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, take the remaining melted butter and brush on top of thighs and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Top Tips For Making This Lemon Thyme Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary
- Don’t skip the marination process! Cut those slits in the chicken and let that marinade penetrate! The secret to this recipe is slicing the chicken both vertically and horizontally so the marinade can seep in. I let these marinate overnight so the chicken would be full of flavor.
- You can use any type of chicken you like with this recipe. In these shots, I used boneless skinless chicken thighs. I’ve also used bone in thighs and drumsticks for this recipe. When it comes to bone in chicken thighs, I feel they are juicier with the bone. I didn’t photo any drumsticks because the kiddos ate them all before I could get the pictures done…yep I’m telling you, this recipe is that good. The kids ate ALL the drumsticks. Gone. No more. No leftovers. I’d say this recipe passed the kid test!
- There are 2 ways you can make this chicken…with fresh herbs or with ground herbs. I typically always push fresh ingredients, but this recipe turned out great with both fresh herbs and with ground herbs. You can taste the difference in each version, but both are fantastic!
- I love to top this chicken with with a lemon or lime slice! I love all the citrus!
What to Serve with Lemon Thyme Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary?
- How To Make The Best Instant Pot Rice
- Slow Cooker Herb Roasted Garlic Potatoes
- Cauliflower, Cashew and Pea Salad
- Brussels Sprout Salad
- Grilled Corn with Lime Juice and Cotija Cheese
Did you find this blog post and these step-by-step instructions helpful? If you’ve tried my Lemon Thyme Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! I love hearing from you! You can also sign up for my newsletter and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food I’m creating!
Juicy and tender baked chicken. Fresh lemons, garlic, rosemary and thyme. Seasoned and coated with a butter-herb sauce and baked to perfection.
- 4-5 chicken thighs (you can use skin-on, bone-in, skinless, trimmed of excess fat, thighs and drimsticks recommended
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 Tablespoons butter, melted
- slices Lemon/Lime for garnish
- You have the option to cook the chicken with the skin on or off. I personally like it with the skin off, so before I started prepping, I removed the skin to the chicken thighs. I left the skin on the drumsticks.
- Place lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- With the tip of a sharp knife, cut into each chicken piece 2 to 3 times, about 1/2 an inch. This helps the marinade really get in and penetrate.
- Place the chicken pieces and the marinade in a gallon size freezer bag. Rotate bag so all chicken pieces are coated with the marinade. Seal the bag and place in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight.
- After the chicken has marinated, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place in a single layer in a large baking dish. Use a pastry brush to brush a small amount of melted butter on top of each piece of chicken.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Thighs need to be at 175 degrees to be considered done.
Once done, take remaining melted butter and brush on top of thighs and drumsticks and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe source: inspired by Diana Rattray
Update Notes: This post was originally published in September of 2015, but was republished with an updated step-by-step instructions, pictures and tips in August of 2018.
Note: You will find affiliate links on this page.
YUM! What do you suggest to serve with it? Cous Cous?
Cous Cous would be great! I’d throw a green vegetable in there or a salad to make it balanced! Check out these recipes that I think will pair nicely:
* Grilled Green Beans – https://recipesworthrepeating.com/recipes/gluten-free/grilled-green-beans/
* Roasted Green Beans with Mushrooms, Balsamic and Parmesan – https://recipesworthrepeating.com/recipes/gluten-free/roasted-green-beans-with-mushrooms-balsamic-and-parmesan/
* Romaine Salad – https://recipesworthrepeating.com/recipes/salad/romaine-salad/
Happy Eats!
My kids are exactly the same with chicken.
I love it and it is always on special, so we eat a lot of it, but occasionally they ask for pork or fish…”just to mix it up a bit mum”
This looks perfect for a family meal….can’t wait to give it a go.
Thanks, Claire! I hope your family loves it! Let me know what they think!
This chicken dish looks so juicy and delicious. I would make this any night of the week, and it is even perfect for entertaining too. Thighs are the best part!!
It’s a great dish for entertaining! You can make this one a bit more fancy by serving some fancier side dishes or make it a comfort food favorite by serving it with mashed potatoes and green beans.
I am loving this recipe here. I can just taste the marinade seeping through the chicken meat. I am betting that the smell is also good too. Your son might be complaining once you said it is chicken day, but can’t get enough of this when it is cook.
Yes, this one smells delish!! And he loves this dish!! Despite his initial reaction!
I love lemon with chicken and especially when it is paired with thyme and rosemary! My husband grumbles too when we have chicken too much, but I think it’s the thought of it, not the actual dish, since he eats it all. Your chicken looks outstanding!
Elaine – try this one!! He will love it, especially if he likes lemon!
Such a perfect combination of flavors coming together for a fabulous meal everyone will enjoy! Loving the sound of this dish…yum-o!
Tammy – it’s perfect for a Sunday dinner!
I swear, chicken and rosemary are a match made in heaven – they’re the best combination ever!
They sure are!! Best combination ever!
This recipe has all the things I love in a chicken recipe – lemons, herbs, butter. it looks delicious!
Linda – it’s SO delicious!! I hope you enjoy!
That marinade sounds wonderful! And we also eat chicken a lot, and in our house it’s the parents who sometimes balk (but it’s easier for them to eat than some others, and once they start they like it… LOL) so I’ve been looking for some more variety myself. And for several reasons starting to move into marinades and sauce…
Anne – you’re going to LOVE this one!!! It’s got a unique taste and it’s fabulous!
I can see why you earned the accolade of “best cooker!” The brightness of the citrus with the herbs is a real winner!
Awe – thanks Amanda! Yeah my son is so funny about telling everyone, “My mom is a cooker.” I’m not a chef or a cook…I’m a “cooker” LOL!! People look at me kinda strange sometimes when he says that!! lol!
Lemon and thyme are just the best buddies! This chicken looks so tender, juicy and delicious!
I can see why your son proclaimed you the “best cooker!” The brightness from the citrus and the savory herbs makes this an instant family favorite.
Classic flavors for chicken and yes, worth making over and over again. I think that marinating the chicken is a great idea, that would give it so much flavor.
HAHAHA kids!!!! You just can’t win. But you’re right. Chicken is crazy versitile so I never get sick of it!
This looks like a great family meal. I know my son would love this as he loves garlic and chicken!