Poulet aux herbes et au citron avec pommes de terre

—

### **Step-by-Step Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prep the Chicken**
Start by preheating your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. This high heat will help both the chicken and potatoes cook to perfection. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this will help the skin become crispy while roasting.

In a small bowl, combine the **minced garlic**, **lemon zest**, **fresh thyme**, **fresh rosemary**, **olive oil**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Rub this aromatic mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For extra flavor, stuff a few lemon wedges underneath the skin of the chicken.

#### 2. **Prepare the Potatoes**
Cut the potatoes into wedges, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with **olive oil**, and sprinkle with **dried thyme**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring all the potato wedges are well-seasoned.

#### 3. **Assemble the Dish**
On a large baking sheet, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the center. Surround the chicken with the seasoned potato wedges. If you have any leftover lemon wedges, scatter them around the chicken and potatoes to enhance the flavor.

#### 4. **Roast in the Oven**
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for **40-45 minutes**, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)** and the skin is crispy. The potatoes should be golden brown and tender. Halfway through the roasting process, toss the potatoes gently with a spatula to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once the chicken and potatoes are perfectly cooked, remove the tray from the oven. Serve the **Poulet aux Herbes et au Citron** alongside the crispy roasted potatoes, and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for an added touch of elegance. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for balance.

—

### **Tips for Perfect Poulet aux Herbes et au Citron avec Pommes de Terre**

– **Chicken Skin**: For the crispiest skin, be sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning it. This removes excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
– **Lemon**: For even more lemon flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken and potatoes right before serving. The lemon will add a bright, zesty finish to the dish.
– **Herbs**: Fresh herbs work best in this recipe, but if you only have dried herbs on hand, use about **one-third of the recommended amount** (1 teaspoon dried = 1 tablespoon fresh).
– **Potato Wedges**: To ensure your potatoes are crispy, cut them into uniform wedges and make sure they’re spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly.
– **Make it a Complete Meal**: Add a simple side like roasted vegetables, green beans, or a light salad to balance the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

—

### **Why This Dish Works So Well**

**Poulet aux Herbes et au Citron avec Pommes de Terre** is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The juicy, herbed chicken pairs beautifully with the crispy, golden potatoes, while the lemon adds a bright and refreshing contrast. It’s a dish that feels fancy and indulgent, yet it requires minimal effort and can be made on a weeknight.

The chicken is infused with the fragrant flavors of garlic, rosemary, and thyme, which not only permeates the meat but also perfumes the entire dish. The lemon works as a balancing agent, brightening up the richness of the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

The roasted potatoes, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, complement the savory chicken, making this dish hearty and satisfying without being overwhelming.

—

### **Creative Variations**

While this recipe is delicious as it is, there are plenty of ways to customize it:

– **Add Vegetables**: Toss in some carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts along with the potatoes for a more varied and colorful dish.
– **Spicy Kick**: If you like some heat, sprinkle the chicken with a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika for a subtle spiciness.
– **Different Potatoes**: Swap the traditional potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
– **Gravy or Sauce**: Make a quick pan gravy with the juices left from the chicken or serve the dish with a mustard or herb-based sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

—

### **Conclusion:**

**Poulet aux Herbes et au Citron avec Pommes de Terre** is a quintessential French recipe that combines simplicity with bold, vibrant flavors. The lemony, herb-infused chicken pairs perfectly with golden roasted potatoes, making this dish a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Give this classic French recipe a try the next time you want a delicious, comforting meal with a touch of elegance. Bon appétit!