Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks, or a mix)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite herb, such as rosemary or oregano)
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for 5–7 minutes , or until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes . Remove the chicken and set aside.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer everything to a baking dish later.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet (or a new pan), add the sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes , stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute , until fragrant.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Place the seared chicken back into the skillet (or transfer everything to a baking dish).
- Pour the chicken broth and soy sauce (if using) around the chicken, avoiding the skin to keep it crispy.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme over the chicken and onions.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the chicken or around the dish.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour , or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 7: Optional Broil for Crispy Skin
For extra-crispy skin, remove the foil during the last 5–10 minutes of baking and broil the chicken on the top rack of the oven. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations
- Herb Substitutions: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms with the onions for a one-pan meal.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- White Wine Option: Replace half of the chicken broth with white wine for a richer flavor.
- Slow Cooker Version: Sear the chicken, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours .
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once the chicken is in the oven, there’s nothing to do but wait.
- Versatile: Pair it with almost any side dish, from grains to greens.
- Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of searing, aromatics, and slow baking ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
This Forgotten Chicken recipe is a go-to for effortless, satisfying meals that feel homemade without the hassle. 🍗