Chicken is a universally beloved source of protein, but it can be tricky to keep it moist when cooking. I stumbled upon this recipe by accident when I wanted to roast a chicken for a friend who doesn’t enjoy garlic or spices. I generously coated the chicken with a mix of dried herbs, olive oil, and salt, resulting in a deliciously rustic, country-style chicken. The dried herbs released wonderful aromas when heated, and the olive oil infused the meat with rich flavor.

While I personally prefer using chicken thighs due to their high fat content which makes it easier to keep them moist, this herb and olive oil coating also works equally well on a whole chicken.

Another method I use to keep chicken moist while cooking it in the oven is by using clay pots and pans. Cooking in clay helps to retain the natural moisture of the protein, without using too much oil.

To enhance the flavor of the chicken, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the dried herb mixture before coating the chicken. This will add a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish. Additionally, placing lemon or orange slices in the chicken before roasting can infuse the meat with a subtle citrus flavor and help maintain its moisture.

When using clay pots and pans, marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and citrus juice before cooking can further enhance the flavors and keep the meat moist throughout the cooking process.

How to Prepare

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken thighs 
• 1 tbs dried oregano
• 1 tbs dried parsley
• 1 tbs dried tarragon
• 1 tbs dried chives
• 1 tbs dried rosemary
• 4 tbs olive oil
• Salt to taste

Steps

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Put one piece in a zip lock bag pound it using meat tenderizer to make them all equal pieces. This step can be optional.
3. Lay the chicken in a clay pot.
4. Salt each side of the chicken.
5. Mix all the dried herbs together in  a small bowl. 
6. Pour over the chicken along with the olive oil.
7. Mix with your hands all together, making sure it’s all rubbed well both in herbs and olive it. 
8. Put in the middle rack of the oven bring the temperature 360 and cook for about 35-40 minutes. 

How to Present

• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to add a fresh citrusy touch to their chicken.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and aroma.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: Just before serving, lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the chicken for a glossy finish.
• Crispy Skin Up: If the chicken has crispy skin, arrange it with the skin side up to highlight its texture and flavor.