Name: Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon Herb Butter
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs); 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon

Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon Herb Butter

GingerRice9227

This crispy pan-seared chicken thigh recipe brings together golden, crackling skin and juicy, flavorful meat in a way that's tailor-made for a late summer Michigan evening. By salting the chicken early, you get deeper seasoning and a more tender bite. Fresh herbs and lemon cut through the richness of the chicken and butter, creating a lively, fragrant finish. The pan sauce, made by quickly deglazing with lemon and herbs, adds an extra layer of flavor without extra carbs—making this dish perfect for a keto-friendly, high-protein dinner. Serve with a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad for a satisfying, memorable meal.

Ingredients

Instructions

Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Season on all sides with half of the salt and all of the pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow seasoning to penetrate.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, place chicken thighs skin-side down. Do not move them for 7-8 minutes, until skin is deeply golden and crisp.
Flip chicken thighs, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
Pour off excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add butter, garlic, rosemary, and parsley. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Remove from heat. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt if needed.
Return chicken to the pan, spooning lemon herb butter over the thighs before serving.