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Crispy Skin-On Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Lemon Herb Pan Sauce

crispy skin-on chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy skin-on chicken thighs served with a bright and tangy lemon herb pan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances boldness and comfort with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet. Press lightly with tongs to ensure the skin contacts the pan evenly. Let cook undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until the skin is golden brown and releases easily.
  4. Turn the thighs over and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat if needed to avoid burning the skin.
  5. Transfer thighs to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.
  8. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
  9. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Pour the lemon herb pan sauce over the rested chicken thighs and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Keep the lid off while crisping the skin to avoid steam which ruins the crunch. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes under foil to keep it juicy. Use a heavy pan for even heat distribution. Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet without a lid to maintain crispiness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with extra olive oil or plant-based butter. Use gluten-free chicken broth for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, lemon herb sauce, easy chicken recipe, pan sauce, quick dinner, skin-on chicken, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken recipe