Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs in a rich lemon garlic sauce. Ready in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan, stirring for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon zest and Italian seasoning, stirring for 10 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) and bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan, nestling into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove pan from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for better browning. Add lemon juice off heat to prevent bitterness. Sauce can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if too thin. Does not freeze well due to dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one pan dinner, lemon garlic chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, quick meals, gluten-free