Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are my choice for juicy, flavorful meat. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs; just reduce the cooking time slightly, as they cook faster.

Olive Oil: This oil gives a nice flavor, but you can substitute with butter or another cooking oil if preferred. Just know that butter will change the flavor slightly.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that strong flavor. You could substitute it with garlic powder if needed, but use less—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemons bring brightness to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh is always better for flavor!

Oregano: Dried oregano is my go-to here. You can use Italian seasoning for something similar, or fresh herbs if you prefer—they can brighten the dish even more.

How Do I Ensure My Chicken Thighs Are Crispy?

Getting that crispy skin is all about the heat and technique. Start with dry chicken—patting it dry removes moisture which helps in browning.

• Use medium-high heat when browning the chicken; this renders the fat and crisps the skin.
• Don’t crowd the skillet. If there’s too much chicken, it will steam instead of fry.
• Let the thighs cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a good sear before flipping.

Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, and check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety! Enjoy your perfectly crispy chicken! 😊

Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

For Finishing Touches:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. So, in about 40 minutes total, you’ll have a scrumptious dinner ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it really brings out the flavor!

2. Brown the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them cook without moving them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. You want it to smell wonderful! Next, pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir in the dried oregano and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook through while soaking up all that lemony flavor! Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Finish the Sauce:

Once cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet. Stir in the butter into the lemon garlic sauce for a silky, glossy finish. This adds richness that’s just divine!

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Spoon the luscious sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve your Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs warm with your favorite sides like rice, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad. Enjoy the deliciousness!

FAQ for Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

Can I Use Boneless Thighs Instead of Bone-In?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe! Just reduce the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes in the simmering step to ensure they don’t dry out.

Can I Make This Chicken Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and and sauce up to two days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of additional broth to keep it moist!

What Can I Serve with This Dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or quinoa as they soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables and a fresh salad also make excellent accompaniments!