Fragrant rosemary chicken roasted to perfection is Italian simplicity at its best. This high protein chicken dish is a fresh, healthy mediterranean family meal suited to a calorie deficit plan.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack in the center position for even roasting.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels; rub them with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season thoroughly with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
Zest and juice the lemon; set aside the zest, and combine the juice with 1 tbsp olive oil. Smash the garlic cloves.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden brown, then turn off the heat.
Scatter rosemary sprigs and smashed garlic around the chicken. Drizzle with the lemon juice mixture, sprinkle the zest over, and transfer the skillet to the oven.
Roast uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and skin is crisp, basting with pan juices halfway through roasting for extra flavor.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with roasted garlic and rosemary from the pan, spooning pan juices over.