Print

Easy Crispy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe for Perfect Dinner

crispy lemon garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple and satisfying one-pan recipe for crispy chicken thighs with a tangy lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg)
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (60 ml)
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet, pressing slightly to ensure even contact. Cook for 6-8 minutes without moving until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 3 minutes to brown the other side.
  6. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs around the chicken. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to melt into the sauce, creating a glossy finish.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Sprinkle lemon zest and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the chicken.
  11. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer to a baking dish before baking. Avoid burning garlic by adding it after searing and cooking briefly. Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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

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