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Crispy Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Lemon Herb Pan Sauce

crispy boneless chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe features crispy boneless chicken thighs with a bright, buttery lemon herb pan sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners with simple ingredients and a flavorful pan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels (5 minutes).
  2. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides (2 minutes).
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 3 minutes).
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Press lightly to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the pan and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Lower heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Add fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens.
  9. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving.
  10. Spoon the lemon herb pan sauce over the crispy chicken thighs and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer until glossy but not syrupy. Rest chicken on a wire rack to keep skin crispy. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with extra olive oil or dairy-free spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, boneless chicken, lemon herb sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, pan sauce, chicken thighs recipe