Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Freezer Friendly

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Freezer Friendly

A marinate-ahead chicken that goes straight from freezer bag to roasting pan with bright, herby flavor.

Make ahead Makes 4 servings Calories 420/serving

Dietary

Keto, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free

Whole chicken pieces soak in a lemon, garlic, and herb marinade before freezing flat in a bag, so the flavor builds while the chicken thaws. Once roasted, the skin turns golden and the meat stays juicy, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights or batch meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds

Method

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.

  2. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken.

  3. Seal the bag, pressing out excess air, and massage gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.

  4. Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

  5. When ready to cook, transfer the bag to the refrigerator and thaw completely, about 24 hours.

  6. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil for easy cleanup.

  7. Arrange the thawed chicken pieces skin-side up in the prepared pan, spacing them apart, and tuck the lemon slices around and under the chicken.

  8. Roast until the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.

  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Rate this recipe

★ 3.7 (1)

Comments

    Log in to comment.

    Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Freezer Friendly

    Whole chicken pieces soak in a lemon, garlic, and herb marinade before freezing flat in a bag, so the flavor builds while the chicken thaws. Once roasted, the skin turns golden and the meat stays juicy, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights or batch meal prep.

    Make ahead 4 servings 420 cal

    Ingredients

    • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
    • 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks
    • 1/3 cup olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 5 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds

    Method

    1. 1

      In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.

    2. 2

      Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken.

    3. 3

      Seal the bag, pressing out excess air, and massage gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.

    4. 4

      Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

    5. 5

      When ready to cook, transfer the bag to the refrigerator and thaw completely, about 24 hours.

    6. 6

      Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil for easy cleanup.

    7. 7

      Arrange the thawed chicken pieces skin-side up in the prepared pan, spacing them apart, and tuck the lemon slices around and under the chicken.

    8. 8

      Roast until the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.

    9. 9

      Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.