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Crispy Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Lemon Brown Butter Sauce

crispy boneless chicken thighs - featured image

A simple and quick recipe for crispy boneless chicken thighs served with a nutty, zesty garlic lemon brown butter sauce that balances rich and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (kosher salt recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Preheat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke, about 3 minutes.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  4. Flip the thighs and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the flesh side until golden but not fully cooked through.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet directly to the oven if oven-safe, or move the chicken to a baking sheet. Roast for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. While the chicken roasts, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Add minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
  8. Plate the crispy chicken thighs and drizzle generously with the garlic lemon brown butter sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best crispiness. Do not move chicken during searing to avoid sticking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Rewarm sauce gently to avoid burning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Leftovers reheat best in oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, boneless chicken, garlic lemon sauce, brown butter sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, pan-seared chicken