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Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs are a delightful combination of succulent chicken and vibrant citrus flavors that will elevate your dinner table. This dish features juicy, tender chicken thighs enveloped in a rich, buttery, and zesty sauce, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The refreshing notes of lemon provide a brightness that complements the savory elements beautifully, creating a meal that feels both comforting and invigorating.

Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

A delicious dish featuring chicken thighs cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon zest
  • 2 large lemons, juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • to garnish lemon slices

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Add Flavor: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
  • Make the Sauce: Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Stir well to combine and scrape up any brown bits from the skillet for added flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes for the flavors to meld.
  • Combine and Bake: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and spoon some of the sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  • Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve the chicken hot with the sauce drizzled over the top.

Notes

Serve with lemon slices for added flavor.
Keyword butter, chicken, dinner, lemon