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Roast Chicken Legs with Lemon and Thyme

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This simple roast chicken legs with lemon and thyme dish is a masterclass in clean, bright flavours. By roasting the chicken at a high temperature, you achieve beautifully crisp skin and succulent meat, while the fresh thyme and garlic infuse the oil to create a natural, savoury baste. It is a wonderfully fuss-free way to prepare a weeknight meal that feels special without requiring hours of preparation.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this recipe prioritises lean protein and healthy fats from extra-virgin olive oil. The addition of roasted lemon slices adds a sophisticated tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly. Serve these chicken legs alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a balanced, low-carbohydrate dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Roast Chicken Legs with Lemon and Thyme

  • 4 whole chicken legs or 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (2 1/2 to 1.4kg total)

  • 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 5 (3- to 4-inch) sprigs fresh thyme

  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

  • 4 (1/4-inch-thick) lemon slices

How to make Roast Chicken Legs with Lemon and Thyme

Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 260°C.

Toss chicken with oil, thyme sprigs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then transfer to a large (17- by 12-inch) shallow heavy baking pan (1 inch deep).

Bake chicken 10 minutes, then add lemon slices to pan. Continue to bake until chicken is golden and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes more. Serve chicken with lemon slices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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