Savory Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme. Make sure to rub the spices into the skin for maximum flavor.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
3. Flip the Chicken: Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add the Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful bits.
6. Return the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
7. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet. Stir in the butter until melted and well combined with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve: Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these savory garlic herb chicken thighs with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal that is sure to impress!

Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes to a few hours before cooking.
• You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, but adjust cooking times as needed since they may cook faster.

Enjoy this delightful and savory dish that brings together the comforting flavors of garlic, herbs, and a zesty lemon butter sauce!