Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances zesty lemon, fragrant thyme, and succulent chicken! This Lemon Chicken with Thyme recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transport you straight to the sun-soaked hills of Italy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 40 minutes of your time, you can impress your family and friends with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your dinner game—read on to discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Lemon
- Fresh thyme
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Zest the lemon and finely chop fresh thyme leaves. Mince 3-4 cloves of garlic to release maximum flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes glossy. This will help create a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to become crisp and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes on the other side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh thyme to the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking to infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken in the final minute of cooking to add brightness and acidity.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves and lemon wedges before serving. Plate with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Patience is Key: Allow the chicken thighs to sear undisturbed for the first 8-10 minutes. This will ensure a crispy skin that adds texture to the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh thyme and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Dried thyme and bottled lemon juice won't provide the same vibrant taste.
- Temperature Check: Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy and safe-to-eat meat.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step! Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.
- Side Pairings: Consider serving this dish with roasted vegetables or a light rice pilaf to complement the bright flavors of the lemon and thyme.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
