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Crispy One-Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

crispy one-skillet lemon garlic chicken - featured image

A quick and easy one-skillet chicken recipe featuring crispy skin, bright lemon, and fragrant garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: splash of chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Add olive oil and butter to the hot skillet and let the butter melt and foam.
  4. Place chicken pieces skin-side down in the skillet without overcrowding; they should sizzle immediately.
  5. Sear chicken undisturbed for 8-10 minutes (20-25 minutes for bone-in) until skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook the other side for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic and fresh herbs; stir gently around the chicken to release aromas without burning garlic.
  8. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest; gently stir to coat evenly.
  9. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Spoon pan sauce over before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid soggy skin. Add garlic near the end to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, one-skillet chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, garlic chicken, lemon chicken, skillet chicken