Surname Chicken & Herb Bake
Juicy chicken thighs baked with rosemary and garlic, featuring a golden crust that mirrors the most common surnames in U.S. history. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels; season evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp fresh rosemary to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant; squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon over chicken.
- Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth around chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cover skillet with a lid; transfer to oven and bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Step 5: Remove lid, increase oven temperature to broil, and broil for 2-3 minutes until skin is crisp and golden; let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Surname Chicken & Herb Bake take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Surname Chicken & Herb Bake?
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 Surname Chicken & Herb Bake?
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 Surname Chicken & Herb Bake 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 Surname Chicken & Herb Bake?
American 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
