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Crispy Rustic Summer Chicken Recipe Easy Perfect Sea Salt Flakes

crispy rustic summer chicken - featured image

A simple yet delicious recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a rustic seasoning of rosemary, lemon zest, and sea salt flakes. Perfect for easy summer dinners with a satisfying crunch and bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) (about 2 lbs / 900g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes, plus extra for finishing
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, sea salt flakes, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin.
  5. Heat an oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs over.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  9. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with extra sea salt flakes.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is critical for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken. Sprinkle sea salt flakes after cooking to preserve their crunch. Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. For a sweeter twist, add a honey glaze in the last 5 minutes of roasting. Use chicken breasts for a leaner option but expect less crispy skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, rustic chicken, summer chicken recipe, sea salt flakes, roasted chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, rosemary chicken, lemon zest chicken