Get ready to fall in love with what is, without a doubt, the most flavorful and reliable Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe you will ever make. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a restaurant-quality meal made in a single skillet, featuring chicken with unbelievably crispy skin, tender, juicy meat, and a dreamy lemon garlic butter sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s simple, elegant, and comes together in about 40 minutes.
We’re using a simple sear-then-bake technique in an oven-safe skillet to lock in all the juices while creating that signature golden-brown, shatteringly crisp skin. The pan drippings then become the base for an aromatic sauce that’s bright, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Say goodbye to boring chicken for good!
Why This is the BEST Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
There are many recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons that guarantee success every time.
- Crispy Skin Guaranteed: By starting with a hot pan to sear the skin and finishing in the oven, we render the fat perfectly, resulting in an exceptionally crispy texture that holds up even when coated in sauce.
- Incredibly Juicy Meat: Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful and forgiving than breasts. Our cooking method ensures they stay moist and tender on the inside.
- A Sauce to Dream About: We build a quick pan sauce right in the skillet by sautéeing fresh garlic and deglazing with chicken broth and lemon juice. It’s simple, yet tastes incredibly complex and delicious.
- One-Skillet Wonder: From searing to serving, everything happens in one pan. This means more flavor development and, more importantly, minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect busy weeknight solution.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, powerhouse ingredients to create its signature flavor. Freshness is key here, especially with the lemon and garlic.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are essential for this recipe. The bone adds flavor and helps the meat cook evenly, while the skin protects the meat and becomes wonderfully crispy.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for the best of both worlds. Olive oil for its high smoke point to sear the chicken, and unsalted butter for rich flavor in the sauce.
- Lemon: You’ll need both the zest and the juice from a fresh lemon. The zest adds aromatic oils, and the juice provides that bright, tangy kick.
- Chicken Broth: Use a low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of your final sauce. This is our primary liquid for deglazing the pan.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor at the end.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
*Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are a must. They provide the aromatic, savory backbone of the sauce. Avoid the jarred kind if possible.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a flawless result. The key is not to rush the searing process—that’s where all the magic happens!
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is the most crucial step for achieving crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear for Crispy Skin: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect) over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Do not overcrowd it. Sear for 6-8 minutes without moving them, until the skin is deep golden brown and easily releases from the pan. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Build the Flavor: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Once it melts, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Deglaze and Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon zest.
- Finish in the Oven: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Nestle some lemon slices around the chicken if desired. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite. Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, sear the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that crispy skin.
- Start with a Dry Surface: We can’t say it enough! Any moisture on the chicken skin is the enemy of crispiness. Pat it as dry as you possibly can. This is the secret to perfectly crispy skin (coming soon).
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The only surefire way to know your chicken is cooked perfectly is to check its temperature. Insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. It should read 165°F (74°C).
- Let It Rest: Don’t skip the resting period! Cutting into the chicken immediately will cause all the delicious juices to run out onto your plate instead of staying in the meat.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a great canvas for customization. Here are a few ideas:
| Item to Substitute | Suggestion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Boneless, Skinless Thighs | Reduce oven time to 10-12 minutes. Check out these boneless skinless chicken thighs recipes for more ideas. |
| Herbs | Rosemary or Thyme | Add 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the pan when you add the garlic for a more earthy, aromatic flavor. |
| Sauce | Add Heavy Cream | For a creamy sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after the broth has reduced. |
| Liquid | Dry White Wine | Use 1/4 cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) to deglaze the pan before adding the chicken broth for extra depth. |
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken
These chicken thighs are versatile and pair well with almost anything. The delicious pan sauce is perfect for drizzling over starches and vegetables.
- Starches: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, orzo, or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple arugula salad with a vinaigrette complement the rich chicken beautifully.
- All-in-One Meal: You can add some quartered potatoes and asparagus to the pan before it goes into the oven to create a meal similar to our popular sheet pan chicken thighs (coming soon).
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- To Store: Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also place it in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crispy skin.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as instructed above.
The Recipe
Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs (The Ultimate Skillet Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-8 minutes without moving, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove chicken to a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce. Stir in the lemon zest.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest in the skillet for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, then spoon the pan sauce over the chicken before serving.
Notes
Don't Crowd the Pan: Searing in batches if necessary will ensure a golden-brown crust rather than steamed chicken.
Use a Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat is by using a meat thermometer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Yes, you absolutely can. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then finish them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. Because they lack the protective skin and bone, they will cook faster.
The number one secret is to pat the chicken skin completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Any moisture will create steam and prevent the skin from browning and crisping up properly. Also, ensure your pan is sufficiently hot before adding the chicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and maintain the crispy skin, place the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the skin soft.
If a recipe calls for white wine and you prefer not to use it, you can simply substitute it with an equal amount of additional low-sodium chicken broth. A squeeze of extra lemon juice at the end can also help mimic the acidity.
For juicy, tender, and safely cooked chicken thighs, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone for an accurate reading.
Conclusion & More Chicken Recipes
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe proves that a stunning, flavorful meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you can create a dinner that the whole family will request again and again.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment and rating below. And for more chicken inspiration, check out our Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (coming soon) or this incredible Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs (coming soon). Happy cooking, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest!
