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Crispy One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe Perfect for Summer Squash Meal

crispy one-pan lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring crispy skin chicken thighs with lemon, fresh herbs, and tender summer squash, perfect for a flavorful summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 2 cups sliced summer squash (zucchini and yellow squash, about 300 g)
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt preferred)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 6-8 minutes without moving until the skin is deep golden brown.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side.
  7. Add the sliced summer squash around the chicken in the pan. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the chicken and squash.
  8. Squeeze the lemon juice over everything, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  9. Roast for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the squash is tender but not mushy.
  10. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry to ensure crispiness. Use a heavy skillet for even heat distribution. If skin isn’t crispy enough after roasting, broil for 2 minutes watching carefully. Stir squash midway through roasting for even cooking. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet to maintain crisp skin. Substitute summer squash with bell peppers or asparagus if out of season. For low-carb, replace squash with cauliflower or broccoli.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, lemon herb chicken, one-pan meal, summer squash, crispy chicken, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe