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Crispy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

lemon garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring crispy skin chicken thighs with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for a flavorful and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (preferably European-style)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or rosemary (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3 minutes.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan, leaving space between pieces. Press down gently with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 7 to 9 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and releases easily.
  4. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes. The chicken will not be fully cooked yet.
  5. Push chicken to one side of the pan. Lower heat to medium, add butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently as butter melts, cooking garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape brown bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let sauce bubble and reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
  7. Spoon some sauce over the chicken, cover the pan with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Sauce will thicken slightly.
  8. Remove chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon more sauce and fresh herbs over the top before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispiness. Let chicken sit at room temperature before cooking. Do not move chicken too soon to allow skin to crisp. Finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes if skin is not crispy enough. Cook in batches if pan is crowded to maintain crispiness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Oven finish option: after searing, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, lemon garlic butter chicken, crispy chicken, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-one-pan-lemon-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/