Print

Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Sauce Recipe

crispy pan-seared chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy pan-seared chicken thighs with a bright, zesty lemon herb sauce that is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (medium-sized)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until oil shimmers but does not smoke (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Press lightly with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook for 10-12 minutes, adjusting heat to avoid burning, until skin is deep golden brown and releases easily.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and tent with foil to rest.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Add lemon juice and zest, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Return chicken thighs to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and warm through for 1 minute. Serve immediately with extra sauce.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Cook skin-side down slowly over medium-low heat to render fat and crisp skin without burning. Finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes if extra crispiness is desired. Rest chicken before serving to keep meat juicy. Add lemon juice off heat to avoid bitterness. Sauce can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with olive oil. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, pan-seared chicken, lemon herb sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, zesty chicken, bone-in chicken thighs

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/crispy-pan-seared-chicken-thighs-easy-zesty-lemon-herb-sauce-recipe/