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Ultra close-up macro of sizzling crispy lemon herb chicken thighs in garlic butter pan sauce

Crispy Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

Shatteringly crisp golden-skin chicken thighs seared in a heavy cast-iron skillet, smothered in an aromatic garlic butter pan sauce infused with fresh rosemary, thyme, and vibrant freshly squeezed lemon.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (6-8 chicken thighs)
Course: Dinner, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Main Course, One-Pan Meals
Cuisine: American Comfort Food, Mediterranean Inspired
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Crispy Herb Seasoning
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs about 2.5 lbs, patted completely dry
  • 1.5 teaspoon kosher sea salt divided
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for rich golden color
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil high smoke point
Garlic Lemon Herb Pan Sauce
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter divided, cold cubed
  • 6 cloves garlic minced or smashed
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or dry white wine like Pinot Grigio
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed from 1 large lemon
  • 1 medium lemon sliced into thin rounds for searing
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary whole sprigs
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme whole sprigs
  • 2 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley finely chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Prep & Sear to Shattering Crispness
  1. Thoroughly pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels on both sides. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Season generously all over with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side DOWN in the skillet. Do not overcrowd (work in batches if needed).
  3. Sear undisturbed for 12 to 14 minutes over medium heat without moving them. As the chicken fat renders, the skin will turn deep amber, blistered, and shatteringly crisp.
  4. Flip thighs skin-side UP and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a digital meat thermometer. Transfer chicken to a warm plate (do not cover tightly or skin will soften).
Make Garlic Lemon Butter Pan Sauce
  1. Drain excess chicken fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rich pan drippings. Return skillet to medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and lemon slices. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and lemon rounds are lightly caramelized.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up all the golden caramelized browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
  4. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the cold butter cubes and fresh herb sprigs (rosemary and thyme). Whisk continuously until the butter melts into a glossy, velvety emulsion.
Assemble & Serve
  1. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet around the caramelized lemon rounds. Spoon the luxurious garlic herb pan sauce over the bottom of the thighs, keeping the crispy golden skin dry on top!
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and serve immediately straight from the sizzling skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 34gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 390mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 14.5mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.9mg

Notes

Chef's Crispness Secret: Never cover hot seared chicken thighs with foil while resting, as trapped steam will make the crackly skin soggy! Keep the skillet sauce spooned beneath the meat so the blistered skin stays 100% crispy.

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