Craving a mouthwatering keto-friendly dish that's both incredibly simple and explosively flavorful? Look no further than these irresistible Charred Lemon Chicken Thighs that will revolutionize your low-carb meal game! Imagine tender, crispy-skinned chicken infused with caramelized lemon essence, delivering a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and exciting.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Keto
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
- 2 lemons, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a nice char on the chicken and lemons.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help the skin get crispy during cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture.
- In a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. This will allow the skin to render fat and become crispy as it cooks.
- Place the halved lemons cut-side down in the skillet around the chicken. The lemons will caramelize and infuse their flavor into the chicken as it cooks.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Using tongs, flip the chicken thighs over so that the skin side is facing up.
- Return the skillet to the oven and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chicken.
- Serve the chicken thighs with the charred lemon halves on the side. Squeeze the roasted lemon juice over the chicken for added flavor.
- Enjoy your Keto Chicken Thighs with a side of your favorite low-carb vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Always pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum skin crispiness.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and beautiful caramelization.
- Don't rush the cooking process—letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain those precious juices.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to your seasoning mix.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
- Choose chicken thighs with the skin on for maximum flavor and keto-friendly fat content.
- The charred lemons aren't just for decoration—squeeze them over the chicken for a bright, zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
