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Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs is a flavor-packed, easy-to-prepare dish featuring tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic. Perfectly seared to achieve a crispy skin, then gently cooked to juicy perfection, this recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. The bright citrus and savory garlic create a deliciously balanced meal suitable for various dietary preferences, including gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano), optional

Optional Sauce

  • ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and optional dried herbs. Stir well to create a zesty, garlicky marinade.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure all sides are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and briefly sear the other side.
  5. Cook through and add sauce: Reduce heat to medium, pour in any remaining marinade and optional chicken broth or white wine. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), approximately 10-15 minutes.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Optionally, spoon the pan sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry ensures crispy skin instead of steaming.
  • Using fresh lemon juice and zest greatly enhances the citrus flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
  • Allow sufficient marinating time for deeper, more vibrant flavors.
  • Always sear skin-side down first to achieve a golden and crunchy skin texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying (with option for baking)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Lemon garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free, pan-fried chicken, quick chicken recipe

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/lemon-garlic-chicken-thighs/