Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs

garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

Juicy, crispy chicken thighs are seared and roasted in a zesty garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs and lemon. This easy, crowd-pleasing dinner is packed with bold flavors and comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Extra chopped herbs, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Move oven rack to upper third if broiling at the end.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear undisturbed for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook 2–3 more minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Stir in lemon zest and juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Return chicken to skillet, skin-side up. Spoon sauce over chicken. Scatter parsley and thyme over the top.
  7. Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 18–22 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F). For extra-crispy skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Let chicken rest 3–5 minutes. Spoon extra pan sauce over each piece. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or olive oil. Add veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for variety. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken thighs, lemon herb chicken, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken, gluten-free, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken thighs

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-lemon-herb-dinner/