Description
Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs is a flavorful, one-pan chicken dish featuring juicy chicken thighs seared until golden and finished in a rich sauce made with butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. The combination of bright citrus, savory garlic, and creamy butter creates a balanced meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for guests.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon slices
- Additional parsley
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add:
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Return chicken to the skillet.
Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Chef’s Notes
- Fresh lemon juice produces the best flavor.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs can be used; increase cooking time by 8–10 minutes.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control salt levels.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Helpful Tips
For Extra Flavor
Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
For Crispy Chicken
Use skin-on thighs and avoid overcrowding the pan.
For a Creamier Sauce
Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream near the end of cooking.
For Meal Prep
Store cooked chicken and sauce separately for best texture.
Enjoy.