Description
Learn how to make juicy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor, a must-try dish!
Ingredients
- 8 (198 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 medium lemon, plus more for serving
- 16 peeled garlic cloves, divided (from 1 large head)
- 1 (14 g) package fresh thyme sprigs, divided
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 1.25 teaspoons (6 g) salt, divided, plus more to taste
- 0.75 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 ml) honey, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Collect all necessary items for the dish.
- Set your oven to 425°F to preheat. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs, then set them aside. Slice the lemon lengthwise and then crosswise into thirds, removing any seeds. Use a microplane to finely grate four garlic cloves.
- In a 13- x 9-inch baking dish, spread out the lemon slices, grated garlic, the remaining whole garlic cloves, and half of the thyme sprigs, mixing briefly to distribute the grated garlic evenly.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the lemon mixture in a single layer, ensuring the skin side is facing up. Pour vegetable oil over the chicken and season uniformly with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper.
- Cook in the oven until the chicken skin is richly golden and a thermometer placed in the thickest part of the meat reads 165°F, approximately one hour. Move the chicken to a serving plate, leaving the lemon mixture in the baking dish.
- Take out the lemon pieces from the baking dish and dispose of them. Pour the remaining juices, including garlic cloves and thyme sprigs, into a blender. Secure the lid but leave the center open to let steam out, covering the opening with a clean towel.
- Blend the contents until smooth, which should take around 30 to 40 seconds. Mix in the honey and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, adjusting the seasoning with more salt or honey to taste.
- Remove the thyme leaves from the remaining sprigs and sprinkle them over the chicken thighs. Present the thighs with the sauce and offer extra lemon wedges, if you wish.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken thighs in the lemon mixture for 30 minutes before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Add a splash of or chicken broth to the blender for a richer sauce.
- Ensure crispy skin by thoroughly drying the chicken thighs before cooking; sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
