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Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

crispy pan-seared chicken with lemon butter sauce - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy skin-on chicken thighs seared to perfection and topped with a bright, buttery lemon sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners with simple ingredients and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Press gently to keep skin flat. Cook without moving for 8-10 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and releases easily.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter to the pan drippings and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Spoon lemon butter sauce over chicken thighs and garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken skin very dry before cooking to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat and prevent steaming. Resist flipping chicken too early to allow crust formation. If sauce separates, whisk in a splash of warm chicken broth or water. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, pan-seared chicken, lemon butter sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/crispy-pan-seared-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-lemon-butter-sauce/