Zesty Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken

Ingredients

- 4 large chicken breasts, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
- Optional: lemon slices and thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, kosher salt, and dried thyme. Mix until well incorporated.

3. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture generously over each breast, ensuring an even coating over and under the skin for maximum flavor.

4. Create the Marinade:
In another small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

5. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the spice-rubbed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the olive oil and lemon juice mixture over the chicken. Massage gently to coat the chicken completely.

6. Roast the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken midway through cooking with its own juices for extra flavor and moisture.

7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional lemon slices and thyme sprigs for an added touch of elegance.

Total Time

PT50M
50 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Lemon chicken, Paprika chicken, Roast chicken, Oven-baked, Easy dinner, Zesty chicken, Flavorful roast, Chicken dinner, Thyme chicken, Spice-rubbed chicken

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

1640 calories (entire dish)

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