Rosemary-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zest

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

Tender chicken thighs roasted with aromatic herbs and a citrus finish, achieving golden edges without added sugars. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 38 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 410 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 10 min Cook: 28 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C); pat 6 bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp sea salt.
  2. Step 2: Mix 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp chopped thyme, and lemon zest in a small bowl; rub evenly over the chicken thighs, coating all sides.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet; roast for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is deeply golden with crisp edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rosemary-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (10 min prep + 28 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 Rosemary-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zest?

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 Rosemary-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zest?

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 Rosemary-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Rosemary-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zest low carb?

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

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