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When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes can compete with the allure of Speedy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. This recipe encapsulates the essence of a quick, delicious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. With its creamy, zesty, and savory profile, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for busy evenings or a casual gathering.

Speedy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Discover a weeknight winner with Speedy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs! This quick and easy recipe combines the rich taste of buttery chicken with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, it's designed for cooks of all levels. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a flavorful dish that impresses without the fuss. Pair it with rice or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience. Enjoy!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Season each thigh generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika, making sure to cover all sides well.

    Heat the Pan: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Allow the fat to heat until it becomes shimmering but not smoking.

      Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear them for approximately 5-7 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy skin. Flip the thighs over and continue to sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

        Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning, until it becomes fragrant.

          Add Flavors: Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle over the lemon zest and thyme. Mix everything together thoroughly, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your sauce.

            Cook the Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are skin-side up. Spoon some of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the thighs to keep them moist. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

              Finishing Touches: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the lid and allow the thighs to rest in the skillet for a couple of minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

                Serve: Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad, allowing you to savor every drop of that exquisite lemon garlic butter sauce.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings