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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Zesty Lemon Sauce

crispy garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy skin chicken thighs cooked in garlic butter and finished with a bright, tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit for about 10 minutes to come to room temperature.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter; let the butter melt and foam but do not let it burn.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down carefully in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 7-9 minutes without moving until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat if skin starts to burn.
  5. Remove chicken to a plate. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth to the pan. Scrape the pan to loosen browned bits. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, nestle into the sauce, and coat well. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned on each plate.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Add garlic after searing to avoid bitterness. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, crispy chicken thighs, lemon sauce chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, quick chicken recipe

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