Zesty 30Minute Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Weeknight Winner
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy Some Zesty Chicken, Love?
Ever get that craving for something bright and zesty? Something that just sings of sunshine? My Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready recipe is just the ticket. It's seriously bursting with lemony goodness.
A Little Taste of the Med
This dish is inspired by Mediterranean flavors. It's dead easy and takes only 30 minutes. It makes 4 servings. You will feel like you are in a greek taverna, but in the middle of London!
Why You'll Bl oa dy Love This
These Chicken Thighs Healthy recipe is surprisingly good for you. It is packed with protein and vitamin C. It's perfect for a quick weeknight chicken thighs dinner, or honestly, any occasion.
The flavors are really, really special. This Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe will become your family favorite.
Get Your Ingredients Sorted, Mate
Alright, let's gather our bits and bobs. You'll need about 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat.
Then a tablespoon of olive oil. Don't forget 4 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup of chicken broth. ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons), then 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and fresh parsley.
Plus 1 tsp of oregano, ½ tsp of salt, and ¼ tsp of black pepper. You could use 1 tbsp of flour.
The aroma when this dish is cooking is simply divine. Honestly, my kitchen smells amazing right now.
Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready
Let's gather what you need for this Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe . It's easier than you think, promise! This Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe will become your go-to.
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece?
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Look for plump thighs. They should be pink and firm. That's how you know they're fresh!
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Nothing fancy, just good quality olive oil.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must here. Avoid the pre-minced stuff.
- 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) chicken broth or stock: Low sodium is best. You control the salt!
- 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) fresh lemon juice: About 1-2 lemons. Bottled juice is okay in a pinch, but fresh is way better.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Real butter, please! It adds richness.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds an earthy, savory note.
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste: Seasoning is key!
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste: Freshly ground is always best.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional): For thickening the sauce.
Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boosters
These seasonings are what make this Garlic Lemon Chicken sing! Oregano, salt, and pepper are the base. Garlic and lemon are the stars.
A little flour thickens the sauce. No oregano? Try thyme! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
This Zesty Chicken Recipe is super adaptable, you know?
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large skillet: Cast iron is amazing but any skillet will do for the pan-fried Chicken Thighs .
- Lemon juicer: Makes juicing lemons easier. A fork works too!
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping the chicken and garlic.
That's all you need. Let's get cooking those Weeknight Chicken Thighs . This 30 Minute Chicken Dinner is waiting!
Alright, let's get down to business, yeah? We're making Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready , and honestly, it's easier than putting on your socks.
This Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe is a game changer for weeknights. I remember one time, I had zero inspiration. Then, BAM! Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe to the rescue.
This is it.
Zesty 30-Minute Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs: Weeknight Winner!
These Chicken Thighs Healthy are just bursting with flavour. Plus, the whole thing is done in, like, half an hour.
What’s not to love? Ready for sunshine on a plate? It's also the perfect dish when you do not know what to have for dinner, but know that you have these key ingredients available.
Prep Steps
Getting prepped is key, alright? Think of it as your culinary mise en place.
- Essential mise en place: First, get your 1.5 lbs chicken thighs trimmed. Mince 4 cloves garlic. Squeeze juice from 1-2 lemons for 1/4 cup of juice. Chop that tablespoon of parsley, too. Top tip : Have everything ready to go before you start cooking. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
- Time saving organization tips: I like to measure out all my spices beforehand. Gets rid of the what now moment.
- Safety reminders: Wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah? And make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Food poisoning is a no-go.
step-by-step Process for Epic Chicken
Let's make these Weeknight Chicken Thighs
- Pat the chicken dry. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken for 5- 7 minutes per side . You're aiming for golden brown.
- Remove the chicken. Set it aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds . Don't burn it!
- Whisk in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Scrape up those yummy browned bits. Add in 1 tbsp flour to thicken now, if you want.
- Simmer the sauce for 3- 5 minutes . It should thicken up a bit.
- Stir in 2 tbsp butter until melted. Taste. Adjust seasonings.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Coat it in the sauce. Simmer for 1- 2 minutes to heat through.
Pro Tips for Garlic Lemon Chicken
Time for some expert insights.
- Want a killer crust? Make sure your chicken is bone dry before searing. Use paper towels, yeah?
- Don't overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of sear.
- make-ahead option: You can prep the sauce earlier in the day and then, get your Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready
And there you have it! A Zesty Chicken Recipe that will have you feeling like a kitchen god/goddess. Pair this with some mash and you got yourself a feast!
Recipe Notes for the Best Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready
Right then, let's chat about making these amazing Garlic Lemon Chicken thighs even better. Think of this as your little cheat sheet to total chicken thigh mastery.
Honestly, this Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe is so simple, but a few tips can make a world of difference.
Serving Like a Pro: Plating and More
Okay, so you've got these gorgeous, glistening Chicken Thighs with Lemon Sauce . How do you make them look as good as they taste? First, don't be shy with that sauce! Drizzle it generously over the chicken.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. For sides, mashed potatoes are always a winner. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli are healthy and delish too.
Feeling fancy? A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly.
Storing Your Leftover Chicken Thighs Healthy
Made too much? No worries. Pop those leftover Weeknight Chicken Thighs into an airtight container and stick them in the fridge.
They'll be good for 3-4 days . To reheat, just microwave them or warm them gently in a skillet. Freezing is also an option! Wrap the chicken tightly in cling film, then foil, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months .
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations: Your Chicken Thighs Healthy , Your Way
Want to switch things up? Of course, you do! For a dairy-free version, ditch the butter and use olive oil instead.
Boom, done! And for a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Seasonal swaps? In summer, use fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
For a Zesty Chicken Recipe during winter, add a bit of lemon zest to boost that citrus flavour.
Nutrition Basics : Goodness in Every Bite
These Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready aren't just tasty, they're pretty good for you too. You are looking at roughly 350 calories per serving.
You get about 40 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat . Chicken thighs are a great source of protein.
The lemon juice adds Vitamin C. Remember, it's an estimated value, so it's not exactly set in stone.
So there you have it. All the insider tips to make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready whenever you want. Give it a go, tweak it, and make it your own! I bet you will feel like you created One Pan Chicken Dinner worthy of any top chef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more flavour and stay juicier, chicken breasts can be used. Just be mindful that chicken breasts tend to dry out quicker, so reduce the cooking time accordingly and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Consider pounding the breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making the sauce for my Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs?
Burning garlic is a total kitchen faux pas, a bit like putting milk in your tea before the water! The key is to sauté the garlic over medium low heat and watch it like a hawk. It should only take about 30 seconds to become fragrant. If it starts to brown too quickly, remove the pan from the heat immediately.
What are some good side dishes to serve with these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready?
These chicken thighs are incredibly versatile! Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, but roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts also work wonderfully. For a lighter option, try a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Don't forget to drizzle the extra sauce over rice or pasta!
Can I make these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs ahead of time? What's the best way to store leftovers?
You can definitely prep some components ahead of time. Mince the garlic, juice the lemons, and measure out the spices earlier in the day. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to rehydrate the sauce.
I'm watching my sodium intake. Are there any substitutions I can make to reduce the sodium in these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Ready?
Yes, absolutely! Sodium levels largely depend on the chicken broth or stock you use. Opt for a low-sodium or no-salt added version. You can also reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe and season to taste after cooking.
Consider using fresh herbs liberally, as they can add flavour without adding sodium, bit like growing your own veg!
Can I use dried herbs if I don't have fresh parsley and oregano for the Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh. So, instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and adjust to your liking.
Fresh herbs will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor but dried herbs work in a pinch!
Zesty 30minute Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Weekn
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |