Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sea Salt and Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with coastal herbs, garlic, and a citrusy sea salt crust. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Kosher salt, Fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1 tbsp rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme, and all garlic cloves. Zest and juice half the lemon.
  3. Step 3: Mix chopped herbs, lemon zest, garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Rub herb mixture evenly over all chicken thighs, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Arrange chicken skin-side up in a single layer in a roasting pan. Squeeze remaining lemon juice over the top.
  6. Step 6: Roast for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sea Salt and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sea Salt and Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sea Salt and Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sea Salt and Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sea Salt and Lemon?

French chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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