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Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon Garlic Brown Butter Sauce

crispy pan-seared chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy chicken thighs served with a bright and nutty lemon garlic brown butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 2 minutes). Season both sides generously with kosher salt and pepper.
  2. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan using tongs. Press down lightly to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 7-9 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  5. Transfer chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Swirl the pan as the butter melts and begins to brown (about 2-3 minutes), watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Stir in minced garlic and lemon zest. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove pan from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Spoon the lemon garlic brown butter sauce over the chicken thighs. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after searing, watching closely to prevent burning. Dry the chicken thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use tongs to flip chicken to keep juices locked in. Brown butter carefully to avoid burning. The sauce can be made while the chicken rests to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, pan-seared chicken, lemon garlic sauce, brown butter sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/crispy-pan-seared-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-lemon-garlic-brown-butter-sauce/