Sheet Pan Citrus-Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with bright citrus slices and fresh herbs on a single sheet pan for an easy, flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a large rimmed baking sheet. Brush the olive oil-herb mixture generously over each chicken thigh.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 1 medium lemon sliced thin and 1 medium orange sliced thin evenly around and under the chicken pieces.
  5. Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The citrus slices will have softened, infusing the chicken with bright, aromatic flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Citrus-Herb Roasted 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 Sheet Pan Citrus-Herb Roasted 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Citrus-Herb Roasted 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 Sheet Pan Citrus-Herb Roasted 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.

What goes well with Sheet Pan Citrus-Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs?

Mediterranean 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes