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Roasted lemon herb chicken with asparagus spears, cooked to perfection.

Bright Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus

These Bright Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus are a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken and asparagus are marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • baking sheet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus tough ends trimmed
  • 2 lemons (1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced for garnish if desired)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • red pepper flakes Optional: for a subtle kick

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
  • Season the marinade generously with salt and pepper.
  • Add chicken thighs to the bowl, tossing to coat them thoroughly in the herb mixture.
  • Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes.
  • Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the same bowl with the chicken and toss them gently to coat in the remaining marinade.
  • Spread the chicken and asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring not to overcrowd it.

Cooking

  • Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly charred.
  • If using bone-in chicken, note that it might require a few additional minutes of roasting time.

Serving

  • Remove the dish from the oven and serve hot, optionally with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The optional red pepper flakes add a pleasant warmth without being overly spicy.