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Crispy Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy skin-on chicken thighs pan-seared in butter with fresh thyme and bright lemon for a flavorful, comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season both sides of each thigh generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without crowding. Press lightly with tongs for even contact. Cook without moving for 7-9 minutes until skin is golden-brown and crisp.
  5. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, and lemon zest to the pan. Let butter melt and bubble gently for about 2 minutes.
  7. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter mixture over the chicken repeatedly to baste.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken, avoiding seeds, and continue basting for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, lower heat and cook a few more minutes covered loosely with foil.
  10. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Use olive oil first to crisp skin, then add butter later to avoid burning. Do not overcrowd pan. Let chicken rest after cooking to seal juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, crispy chicken thighs, butter chicken, thyme chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, pan-seared chicken

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-lemon-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-with-fresh-thyme/