We're elevating our weeknight dinners with this Simple French Herbs Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe. Juicy chicken roasted in dried herbs and seasonings pave the way for a variety of dinner options that the whole family will love.
Scroll down to see how we're whipping up this simple French roast chicken recipe and don't forget to print or pin the recipe to make this tonight!
What You'll Love About This Tender Chicken Recipe
I've made this recipe weekly for the past few months and it crafts the perfect chicken every time. You'll appreciate the ease in prep and in cooking time as this dish is ready in about 30 minutes releasing the most delicious scent from the herbs and garlic.
Rather than roasting a whole chicken, we're focused on using bone-in, skin on chicken thighs. They're full of flavor and an economic option if you're using the thighs with the bone-in and skin on. We're using a mix of dried herbs and seasonings along with a two-step technique in both searing then roasting the meat. The result leaves a chicken with skin that is crisp but the meat is tender.
Ingredients for this Simple French Herbs Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe
A list of simple ingredients make up this recipe for roasted and crispy skinned chicken thighs recipe. Here is what we'll need:
Avocado oil or olive oil for grilling.
4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs. One of the main ingredients in this dish. As I've said time and again, use the best quality chicken you have access to. This recipe is also perfect for bone-in, skin on chicken breast or chicken legs. You can roast a whole chicken or cut up the chicken into parts for easier, even cooking.
Dried Herbs de Provence. You can also opt for fresh herbs here. I personally like a mix of fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary for earthy depth of flavor.
Garlic powder and paprika. I like the use of the dried seasonings here for consistent flavoring of our roast chicken.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper.
How to Make This French Roast Chicken Recipe that Yields Juicy Meat
This is one of those roast chicken recipes that I call the Little Black Dress of easy chicken dinner recipes. It's classic, timeless, and is a hit every single time we make it. Here's how we do it:
Roast the seared chicken thighs for 30 minutes until golden brown with crisp skin and the pan juices run clear. A meat thermometer may also be used to check the internal temperature which should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This means the chicken is fully cooked.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. On the stovetop, heat a large cast iron skillet or braiser over medium heat. Spray skillet with avocado oil or olive oil.
While the pan preheats, pat chicken thighs with an unbleached paper towels to remove excess moisture. Next, season chicken with the kosher salt, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and the Herbs de Provence. Alternatively, you can opt for a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs if you do not have dried Herbs de Provence. I like a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage here.
Once the chicken is seasoned, place chicken in the now heated skillet with the skin side down. Sear 2-3 minutes on each side over medium high heat. Once both sides are seared remove from heat immediately and place in the preheated oven.
What to Serve with this French Roast Chicken Thigh Recipe
Make this recipe all year long to serve alongside a variety of seasonal side from spring time sautés to winter roasted root vegetables. It's the kind of recipe that yield high impact with little effort. A few of my favorite ways to enjoy this French style roast chicken recipe:
- Top with lemon slices and a compound garlic butter made with fresh herbs and roasted garlic.
- Serve with roasted asparagus, carrots, and rabe in spring time.
- Serve with a purée such as this cauliflower purée or even an herby polenta.
- Get cozy comfort food vibes by serving your rotisserie chicken with this brown butter colcannon for a comforting main course.
- As for drink suggestions, I love pairing this with a lighter bodied red wine such as a pinot noir or this one from Filomena.
Simple French Herbs Roast Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone in, skin on
- 1 tablespoon Avocado oil or olive oil can also use in cooking spray form
- 2 teaspoons herbs de Provence
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. On the stovetop, heat a large cast iron skillet or braiser over medium heat. Spray skillet with avocado oil or olive oil.
- While the pan preheats, pat chicken thighs with an unbleached paper towels to remove excess moisture. Next, season chicken evenly with the kosher salt, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and the Herbs de Provence. Alternatively, you can opt for a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs if you do not have dried Herbs de Provence. I like a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage here.
- Once the chicken is seasoned, place chicken in the now heated skillet with the skin side down. Sear 2-3 minutes on each side over medium high heat. Once both sides are seared remove from heat immediately and place in the preheated oven.
- Roast the seared chicken thighs for 30 minutes until golden brown with crisp skin and the pan juices run clear. A meat thermometer may also be used to check the internal temperature which should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This means the chicken is fully cooked.
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