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Home cooking often revolves around the versatility and appeal of chicken, and among its various cuts, chicken thighs stand out for their rich flavor and tender texture. Whether grilled, roasted, or sautéed, chicken thighs can elevate any dish, making them a beloved choice for quick weeknight meals or special occasions. One such dish that highlights the succulent nature of chicken thighs is the Speedy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. This recipe not only promises a burst of flavor but also ensures a swift preparation time, making it ideal for busy home cooks.

Speedy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Discover the delightful experience of home cooking with this Speedy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines the rich flavors of chicken thighs with the vibrant zest of lemon and garlic, all in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll create a gourmet meal that impresses. Enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a crispy outside, paired beautifully with rice or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. Savor the joy of easy, flavorful cooking!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided (2 tablespoons for cooking, 2 tablespoons for sauce)

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves of 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: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This will help achieve that perfect crispy skin. Generously season both sides of the thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring an even coating for optimal flavor.

    Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the mixture to heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.

      Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the skin turns golden brown and crisp. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes until cooked halfway through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

        Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to develop flavor while being cautious not to let the garlic burn.

          Add Flavors: Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and add the lemon zest along with the thyme. Mix thoroughly, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan; this will intensify the flavors of the sauce.

            Cook the Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, making sure they are skin-side up. Spoon some of the lemon-garlic butter sauce over each thigh. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

              Finishing Touches: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest with the lid on for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors to meld beautifully.

                Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices to add vibrancy. Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh green salad to enjoy all the amazing lemon garlic butter sauce.

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

                    Optional Serving Suggestion: For added texture, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.