Juicy, caramelized, garlicky and bursting with lemon flavor, this lemon garlic chicken thighs recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Skillet
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of 1 large lemon
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish
1 bunch asparagus
Mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables (optional)
Instructions
Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear 6–7 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, honey, lemon juice, and zest. Stir and let simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and coated in a glossy glaze.
Add asparagus to the pan during the last 5 minutes to cook in the flavorful sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Spoon extra lemon glaze over mashed potatoes.
Pair with roasted carrots or green beans.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Start chicken skin-side down for maximum crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciness.