Description
A bright and flavorful one-skillet meal featuring crispy chicken thighs simmered in a garlicky lemon butter sauce. Perfect for weeknights and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh lemons (1 juiced, 1 sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and let it warm for a couple minutes.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Mince garlic and zest one lemon.
- Add olive oil to the hot skillet. When shimmering, add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add lemon slices around the chicken. Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken and stir butter into the sauce until melted and silky. Spoon sauce over chicken before serving.
- Garnish with extra thyme and lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
- Make sure chicken is at room temperature before searing for even cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Double the sauce if you want extra for serving over sides like rice or potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, skillet chicken, one pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, garlic butter chicken