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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Sauce

crispy garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe features crispy, golden chicken thighs browned in garlic butter, served with a zesty lemon herb sauce that balances richness with fresh brightness. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dish that impresses with simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45ml)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Finely mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, chopped parsley, thyme, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste and set aside.
  4. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook until the butter turns a golden amber color and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down carefully. Press down gently with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp. Lower heat if butter browns too fast.
  6. Flip the chicken, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 7-8 minutes, spooning the melted butter and garlic over the chicken occasionally. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Serve the chicken with the zesty lemon herb sauce spooned over or on the side. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Brown butter slowly to avoid burning. Add garlic after flipping chicken to prevent bitterness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Dairy-free option: substitute butter with olive or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, lemon herb sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-zesty-lemon-herb-sauce/