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Roasted Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Oregano

These roasted chicken thighs with lemon and oregano offer a sophisticated yet simple dinner that is naturally diabetes friendly. By starting the chicken in a cold frying pan and allowing the fat to render slowly, you achieve perfectly crisp skin without the need for excess oil. The combination of fragrant oregano and zesty lemon creates a bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavour profile that feels indulgent while remaining low in sugar and carbohydrates.

This heart-healthy chicken dish is ideal for a midweek meal or a relaxed weekend supper. The pan-sauce, deglazed with a splash of dry white wine and chicken broth, provides a savoury depth that complements the citrus notes beautifully. Serve this high-protein main with a side of steamed seasonal greens or a fresh garden salad for a balanced and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Roasted Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Oregano

  • 1 lemon

  • 4 large or 8 small skin-on, boneless chicken thighs

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided

  • 3 sprigs oregano

  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot

  • 1/2 garlic clove, minced

  • 1/8 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 60ml dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)

  • 120ml low-sodium chicken broth

How to make Roasted Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Oregano

Preheat oven to 218°C. Very thinly slice half of lemon; discard any seeds. Cut remaining lemon half into 2 wedges. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

Coat a large room-temperature skillet with 1 teaspoon oil. Add chicken, skin side down. Place skillet over medium heat and cook, letting skin render and brown, and pouring off excess fat to maintain a thin coating in pan, until chicken is cooked halfway through, about 10 minutes.

Scatter half of lemon slices over chicken and half on bottom of skillet (the slices on top of the chicken will soften; those in the skillet will caramelize). Transfer skillet to oven, leaving chicken skin side down. Roast until chicken is cooked through, skin is crisp, and lemon slices on bottom of skillet are caramelized, 6-8 minutes.

Transfer chicken pieces, skin side up, and caramelized lemon slices from bottom of skillet to a warm platter. (Leave softened lemon slices in the skillet.) Return skillet to medium heat. Add oregano sprigs, shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Remove skillet from heat. Add wine; cook over medium heat until reduced by half, 1-2 minutes. Add broth; cook until thickened, about 3 minutes. Squeeze 1 lemon wedge over and season sauce with salt, pepper, and juice from remaining lemon wedge, if desired. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons oil. Return chicken to skillet, skin side up, to rewarm. Serve topped with caramelized 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.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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