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Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zesty Pan Sauce

crispy lemon garlic chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy chicken thighs with bright lemon garlic pan sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual lunches. The crispy skin and tangy sauce make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted cold butter
  • A small handful of fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Press down lightly with a spatula or tongs to ensure full contact with the pan. Cook without moving for 7-9 minutes until skin is deeply golden and crisp. Reduce heat if skin browns too fast.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Transfer chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
  6. Lower heat to medium and add sliced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.
  8. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Let sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  9. Remove pan from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons cold butter until sauce is silky. Stir in fresh herbs if using.
  10. Spoon the zesty pan sauce over the chicken thighs and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for best crispiness. Press chicken down in pan for even browning. Avoid overcrowding pan; cook in batches if needed. Use low sodium broth to control salt. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. If skillet is not oven-safe, finish cooking on stovetop with lid on. Optionally add red pepper flakes for heat or swap herbs for rosemary or tarragon.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, lemon garlic chicken, crispy chicken, pan sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/crispy-lemon-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-zesty-pan-sauce/