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Garlic Herb Chicken

A comforting homemade meal featuring juicy chicken thighs infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon, perfect for weeknights and special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breasts for a lighter option)
Butter and Oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter adds richness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil prevents burning
Aromatics and Flavorings
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh is best; roasted garlic is a great swap
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced brightens the dish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (swap with cilantro or dill for a different profile)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; rosemary is a stronger alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, adds depth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for a gentle kick

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, thyme, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir until fragrant and well combined.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken skin-side down.
  2. Cook for about 5–7 minutes or until the skin turns a deep golden brown.
  3. Flip the chicken and reduce heat to medium. Dollop the garlic herb butter over each piece and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for breasts or 175°F (80°C) for thighs, about 8–12 more minutes depending on size.
  4. Remove the chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve with spooned pan sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a scattering of extra parsley for color.

Notes

You can marinate the chicken in the herb butter for up to 24 hours before cooking for deeper flavors. For variations, try adding heavy cream for a silky sauce or serve with roasted vegetables for a festive treat.