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Easy One-Pan Spring Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Asparagus

lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring crispy bone-in chicken thighs infused with lemon and fresh herbs, roasted alongside tender asparagus for a bright, flavorful spring meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or rosemary if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: splash of white wine

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an oven-safe skillet on the stove over medium heat to warm.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half the minced garlic. Sprinkle half the lemon zest and herbs over the chicken and rub gently. Let rest.
  3. Trim woody ends off asparagus. Toss asparagus in a bowl with olive oil, remaining garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and press lightly with tongs. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
  5. Arrange asparagus around the chicken in the skillet. Squeeze juice of half the lemon over everything. Add lemon halves to the pan if desired.
  6. Transfer skillet to the oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and asparagus is tender but crisp.
  7. Remove skillet from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle remaining fresh herbs and a little more lemon zest over the dish before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crisp skin. Let chicken sit undisturbed while searing to develop a golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer to a baking dish after searing. Optional additions include red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, one-pan dinner, spring recipe, asparagus, easy chicken thighs, healthy dinner, quick meal