Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs

Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that perfectly marries flavor and comfort. This dish brings together juicy chicken thighs roasted to perfection with a crunchy, flavorful skin, topped off with a vibrant mix of fresh herbs that sing of spring. It is a delightful recipe that can easily elevate any ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this chicken dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

Why Make This Recipe

There are several compelling reasons to make Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs. First and foremost, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. The ingredients are straightforward and accessible, allowing anyone to recreate it without feeling overwhelmed.

Secondly, chicken thighs are known for being incredibly flavorful and tender, especially when cooked with the skin on. Roasting them at a high temperature ensures a perfectly crispy edge while retaining their juiciness inside.

Furthermore, the addition of spring herbs not only amplifies the dish’s flavor but also adds a fresh and light element that makes it ideal for any season, particularly during the warmer months when herbs are at their peak. This dish is also a versatile choice because you can easily pair it with various sides, making it adaptable to your meal preferences.

How to Make Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs

Making Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs is simple and requires just a few key steps. Below, we’ll break down the process so you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

For the Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs:

• 5–10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried tarragon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp coarse sea salt
• Optional: Rice or couscous to serve with the chicken

For the Spring Herb Mix:

• ¾ cup fresh parsley, packed
• ½ cup fresh dill, packed
• 1 green onion, very bottom root area removed (just cut off the roots)
• 1 clove garlic
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp coarse sea salt
• ¼ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• Pinch or two of red pepper flakes
• Drippings from the roasted chicken pan

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and move the oven rack to the top (or second-from-the-top if you have multiple slots).

2. Prep the Chicken: Let the chicken thighs come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. After removing them from the packaging, pat the chicken dry, especially the skin, to ensure a crispier result. Let it sit for another 20 minutes if you’ve rinsed it; 30 minutes if not.

3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, tarragon, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Rub the chicken with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle the herb mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs (if you’re using just 5 chicken thighs, apply the seasoning to both sides).

4. Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken skin side up on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 27–30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

5. Prepare Rice or Couscous (Optional): If you’re serving rice or couscous with the chicken, prepare it now according to package directions.

6. Make the Spring Herb Mix: While the chicken cooks, combine the parsley, dill, green onion, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Pulse until chopped and mixed well. Set aside.

7. Combine Pan Drippings with Herb Mix: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the baking sheet. Scrape the pan drippings into the food processor with the spring herb mix and pulse again to combine.

8. Serve: Serve the crispy oven roasted chicken thighs with a generous drizzle of the spring herb sauce. Pair with rice or couscous for a complete meal!

How to Serve Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs

Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs can be served in various ways. For an appealing presentation, place each chicken thigh on a serving plate and spoon the vibrant spring herb sauce generously over the top. Accompany the chicken with a side of rice or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.

You might also consider adding a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken. Seasonal vegetables, steamed or roasted, would perfectly complement the dish as well. If you want to enhance the herbaceous theme, you can incorporate roasted asparagus or a medley of spring vegetables.

How to Store Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs

If you have leftovers, storing Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs is straightforward. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips to Make Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs

1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.

2. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are great, try to use fresh herbs whenever possible for the spring herb mix. They add an incredible burst of flavor and freshness.

3. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

4. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

5. Nail the Drippings: Don’t skip adding the pan drippings to the herb mix. They significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce and help tie together the dish.

Variations

While the recipe for Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs is perfectly delicious as is, there are several variations you can consider:

• Spicy Herb Mix: Incorporate additional spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

• Different Cuts of Chicken: You can use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken. Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure chicken is cooked through.

• Herb Alternatives: Experiment with different herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives depending on your preference or what’s in season.

• Add Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice over the cooked chicken can add a bright, zesty flavor that complements the herbs beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

While skinless chicken thighs can be used, you will miss out on the crispy, flavorful skin that adds to the overall taste and texture of the dish. If you prefer skinless, consider adjusting the cooking time as they may cook faster.

2. Is there an alternative to using a food processor for the herb mix?

Yes, you can chop the herbs and garlic finely with a knife and mix them in a bowl. However, using a food processor makes it quicker and gives a more uniform mix.

3. How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in the oven?

At a temperature of 450°F (232°C), bone-in chicken thighs typically take about 27-30 minutes to reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken thighs several hours or overnight in olive oil, herbs, and spices can enhance the flavor and tenderness. Just remember to reduce the salt in the seasoning mix if you do this, as the marinade will also add flavor.

In conclusion, Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs with Spring Herbs is a simple yet delicious recipe that everyone can enjoy. With a few straightforward steps, you can create a beautiful dish that’s bursting with flavor. So why not try it today? You won’t regret it!