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Savory Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Sauce

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Crispy, buttery, garlicky chicken thighs paired with a tangy, zesty lemon sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a rich, mouthwatering dinner perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from one large lemon)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides liberally with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 4 minced garlic cloves and the zest of one lemon. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add chicken thighs skin-side down. Press lightly with tongs and cook without moving for 8-10 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs and immediately spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the skin side. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Pour off excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add ½ cup chicken broth and juice from one large lemon. Scrape browned bits from the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly reduces and thickens.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over to coat. Let warm through for a minute. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and juiciness. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Spread garlic butter gently after flipping to prevent burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Optionally finish chicken in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes after searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken thighs, lemon sauce, easy dinner, crispy chicken, weeknight meal, savory chicken

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/savory-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lemon-sauce/