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Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

This lemon garlic chicken thighs recipe features crispy-skinned, juicy chicken cooked with fragrant garlic and bright lemon slices. The dish is pan-seared to golden perfection, creating a tender, flavorful meal with a zesty aroma and appealing textures. It’s a quick, comforting dish with a fresh twist, perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs preferably organic or free-range
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed and minced
  • 1 large lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 lemon slices lemon slices for roasting and garnish
  • optional fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Ovenproof skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Sharp Knife
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Lemon zester

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them sit for 10 minutes to help the skin crisp up.
  2. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom. Once shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, pressing lightly to ensure contact.
  3. Carefully flip the chicken thighs using tongs and reduce the heat to medium. Add the smashed garlic cloves and lemon slices around the chicken. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the chicken to a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. During this time, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired.
  5. Serve the chicken thighs hot, garnished with lemon slices and herbs, spooning the flavorful pan juices over each piece. Enjoy the crispy skin, juicy meat, and bright lemon aroma in every bite.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with lemon juice and garlic for up to 2 hours before cooking. To intensify the lemon aroma, zest the lemon directly over the chicken during cooking. If the skin isn’t as crispy as you'd like, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.