Central Valley Chicken Recipe

**For the chicken:**

* 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or your preferred cuts)
* Lemon slices and fresh herbs for garnish

—

### 🔪 Instructions

#### 1. **Marinate the Chicken**

In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat well. Seal and marinate for **at least 2 hours** (overnight for best flavor).

#### 2. **Preheat & Prep**

Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Let the chicken come to room temperature while the oven heats.

#### 3. **Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended)**

In an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken skin-side down over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.

#### 4. **Bake**

Flip chicken skin-side up and transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for **25–30 minutes**, or until the internal temperature reaches **165°F (74°C)** and juices run clear.

#### 5. **Rest & Serve**

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs.

—

### 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

* **Classic pairing:** Roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables
* **Light option:** Served over a bed of mixed greens or couscous
* **Rustic twist:** Pair with grilled corn and a tomato-cucumber salad

This dish also works wonderfully for meal prep — it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

—

### 💡 Tips & Variations

* Swap rosemary and thyme for **oregano and basil** for a Mediterranean touch
* Use boneless chicken breasts for a quicker cook time (reduce baking to \~18–20 minutes)
* Want a smoky grill version? Marinate and grill on medium heat for \~6–8 minutes per side
* Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade

—

### 🥇 Why You’ll Love It

* Packed with **fresh, bold flavors**
* Simple ingredients, **farmhouse style**
* Perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat
* Great for **weeknight dinners or weekend hosting**

—

### 🌿 Final Thoughts

**Central Valley Chicken** brings comfort, freshness, and California charm to your table. With its zesty marinade and simple preparation, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both homey and gourmet — a nod to hardworking kitchens and fresh, honest ingredients.

—

**Tried this recipe?** Show us your version with **#CentralValleyChicken** — and don’t forget to share your favorite side pairings!

—

Need a printable recipe card, marinade variations, or a version for the slow cooker? Just let me know!