Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
This recipe delivers crispy skin chicken thighs with a luscious creamy lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let rest while heating the pan. (5 minutes)
- Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until oil shimmers but does not smoke. (2 minutes)
- Lay chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without overcrowding. Press lightly with tongs for even contact. Cook without moving for 7–9 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and crispy. (7-9 minutes)
- Flip the chicken thighs and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the pan. As butter melts, tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over chicken repeatedly (basting). Cook for another 4 minutes. (4 minutes)
- Push chicken to the side and add minced garlic. Stir quickly to avoid burning; garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden within 30 seconds. (30 seconds)
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom. (1 minute)
- Lower heat to medium-low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Let sauce simmer gently around chicken, thickening slightly and cooking chicken through. Cover loosely if sauce splatters. (6-8 minutes)
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over chicken before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding pan to prevent steaming. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add more broth or cream. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 32
Keywords: chicken thighs, lemon garlic chicken, creamy chicken, crispy skin chicken, easy dinner, butter chicken, weeknight meal