Low-Sodium Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs baked with a fragrant herb crust, requiring minimal salt for a heart-healthy main course that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired chicken (low-sodium) ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 6 bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub 2 tbsp olive oil over all sides, then evenly coat with 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  2. Step 2: Arrange chicken skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping once halfway through.
  3. Step 3: Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful chicken without excess sodium.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Sodium Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs 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 Low-Sodium Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Sodium Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs?

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 Low-Sodium Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs 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.

Is Low-Sodium Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs low-sodium?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-sodium based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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