Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs

5 from 1 vote

Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs bring together juicy, tender chicken with perfectly crispy skin, all coated in a bright lemon-garlic sauce. This easy, one-pan recipe makes a flavorful dinner that's ready in under an hour. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 568kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs bone-in skin-on
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
4 cloves garlic minced
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
½ cup chicken broth low sodium or no sodium added
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
lemon slices for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 7-10 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, making sure they are in a single layer. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the skin is crispy.
Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken thighs with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with the pan sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

Even Searing: Space the chicken thighs evenly in the skillet to achieve uniform crispiness on all sides.
Adjust Seasonings: Customize the garlic and lemon levels to suit your taste preferences for a personalized flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant touch of color to the dish. Feel free to try thyme or basil for a different herbal twist.

Nutrition