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Crispy Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Easy Recipe with Roasted Garlic Sauce

crispy skillet lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection with a tangy lemon herb flavor and a silky roasted garlic sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners with a fresh twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 whole head fresh garlic, separated into cloves, peeled
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) white wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. Zest the lemon and finely chop the fresh thyme and rosemary. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over it, wrap in foil, and roast for about 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until skin is deeply golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add roasted garlic cloves to the skillet and mash lightly. Deglaze pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, honey, lemon zest, and chopped herbs. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Return chicken to skillet skin side up. Spoon sauce over the top. Transfer skillet to oven or reduce heat to low and cover loosely. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), about 10-15 minutes. Sauce will reduce and coat chicken.
  6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra roasted garlic sauce over the top.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Roasting garlic separately mellows the flavor; roasting in skillet yields sharper garlic taste. For extra crispy skin, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if needed. Dairy-free version: substitute butter with olive oil and coconut oil or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken skin, roasted garlic sauce, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/crispy-skillet-lemon-herb-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe-with-roasted-garlic-sauce/