Lemony Chicken Thighs with Hazelnut Romesco is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with fresh lemon and topped with a rich, smoky hazelnut Romesco sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe balances tangy citrus and nutty depth for a perfect dinner that’s impressive yet easy to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
3 cloves garlic, minced

Hazelnut Romesco Sauce:

1 cup roasted red bell peppers (jarred or fresh)
1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts
1 small tomato, roasted
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and half of the minced garlic.
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin side down until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook 2 minutes on the other side.
Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Meanwhile, prepare the Romesco sauce: In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, toasted hazelnuts, roasted tomato, garlic, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until smooth.
Remove chicken from oven, drizzle lemon juice over the top, and serve with generous spoonfuls of hazelnut Romesco sauce.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 2 g

Why Chicken Thighs Are the Best Choice

Chicken thighs are prized for their moistness and rich flavor compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast. Their higher fat content helps keep the meat juicy and tender during cooking, making them especially well-suited to roasting and searing. The bone-in, skin-on preparation allows for crispy, golden skin that contrasts beautifully with the succulent meat beneath.

Using chicken thighs ensures a more forgiving cooking process—less risk of drying out—and a flavor profile that stands up to bold seasonings and sauces like lemon zest and Romesco. This makes them perfect for dishes where the chicken is paired with vibrant, intense accompaniments.

The Bright Impact of Lemon

Lemon zest and juice provide a crucial bright and acidic counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and hazelnut sauce. The zest releases essential oils that impart a fragrant citrus aroma and nuanced flavor throughout the dish. The fresh lemon juice, added just before serving, cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing tang that awakens the palate.

This balance of fat and acidity is a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine and is essential for creating a dish that feels lively and balanced rather than heavy or one-dimensional. The citrus element also enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.

The Rich, Smoky Depth of Hazelnut Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce is a traditional Catalan condiment made from roasted red peppers, nuts, garlic, and vinegar, with olive oil blended in to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. This version uses toasted hazelnuts, which bring a warm, buttery nuttiness that complements the smoky roasted peppers and paprika.

The sauce’s smoky paprika and vinegar provide complexity and depth, while the roasted tomato adds sweetness and body. The blend of these ingredients produces a luscious, vibrant sauce that perfectly balances nutty richness with bright acidity.

Drizzling this sauce over the lemony chicken elevates the entire dish, adding moisture, flavor, and a striking visual contrast with its deep red hue against the golden chicken.

Cooking Technique and Flavor Development

Searing the chicken thighs skin-side down in olive oil develops a crisp, flavorful crust that locks in juices and adds texture. The Maillard reaction during searing enhances the meat’s savory notes and provides a beautiful golden color.

Roasting in the oven after searing ensures even cooking and tenderness, while allowing the chicken to finish cooking gently without drying out. This two-step cooking method is key to achieving juicy meat with crispy skin.

Meanwhile, preparing the Romesco sauce in a blender creates a silky texture that coats the chicken perfectly. Slow incorporation of olive oil emulsifies the sauce, giving it a smooth, creamy finish that clings well to the meat and vegetables.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

This dish offers a balanced nutritional profile that combines lean protein from chicken thighs with healthy fats from olive oil and hazelnuts. Protein supports muscle repair and satiety, while monounsaturated fats from olive oil promote heart health.

The low carbohydrate content, primarily from vegetables and sauce ingredients, makes this meal suitable for low-carb or Mediterranean-style diets. The fiber content from nuts and roasted vegetables aids digestion.

The dish is also naturally gluten-free and can fit into a variety of eating plans focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Lemony Chicken Thighs with Hazelnut Romesco can be served as a hearty main course alongside simple Mediterranean sides. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, asparagus, or a light fennel salad, complement the rich flavors well.

For a more substantial meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa. Warm, crusty bread is excellent for soaking up any extra Romesco sauce.

A fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can add brightness and textural contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The Mediterranean Influence

This recipe reflects core Mediterranean culinary principles—simple, fresh ingredients prepared in a way that celebrates natural flavors and balanced nutrition. The use of lemon and olive oil for brightness and healthy fat, paired with nuts and roasted vegetables for texture and depth, is typical of Mediterranean dishes.

The smoky Romesco sauce is rooted in Spanish cuisine but fits seamlessly with the Italian-inspired lemon chicken, showcasing the interconnectedness of Mediterranean culinary traditions.

The result is a dish that feels rustic yet refined, healthy yet indulgent.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Special Occasions and Weeknights

The recipe’s elegance and complex flavors make it suitable for impressing guests at dinner parties or holiday meals. Yet its straightforward preparation and use of pantry staples mean it’s accessible enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The combination of searing and roasting is a manageable technique that yields restaurant-quality results without requiring advanced skills or special equipment.

The dish can be scaled up or down depending on the occasion, and leftovers reheat well, making it practical as well as delicious.

Conclusion

Lemony Chicken Thighs with Hazelnut Romesco is a standout Mediterranean-inspired dish that perfectly balances bright citrus notes with the rich, smoky depth of a nutty Romesco sauce. Tender, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin provide a luscious base that pairs beautifully with the vibrant, flavorful sauce.

This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking—fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and satisfying textures—all in a recipe that’s both impressive and easy to prepare. Whether served for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, it promises a delightful and nourishing experience that elevates everyday poultry into a culinary celebration.

The harmonious blend of tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, smoky paprika, and toasted hazelnuts ensures that every bite is layered with complexity and warmth. It’s a recipe that will become a favorite for those seeking to bring bold, healthy, and delicious Mediterranean flavors to their table.