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One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Crispy lemon garlic chicken thighs in a rustic cast iron skillet recipe.

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A simple, protein-rich weeknight dinner featuring crispy chicken thighs roasted with lemon and garlic in a single skillet. The bright, aromatic pan sauce makes this dish feel indulgent yet wholesome, with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled (about 8-10 cloves)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear without moving for 6-8 minutes until skin is deeply golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add peeled garlic cloves and lemon slices to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lemons begin to caramelize at the edges.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom with a wooden spoon.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, among the lemons and garlic.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) internally.
  8. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Transfer chicken, lemons, and garlic to a serving platter.
  9. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over low heat. Whisk in the butter until melted and incorporated into the pan juices to create a glossy sauce.
  10. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For crispy skin, pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. Do not crowd the pan while searing. The skillet handle will be extremely hot after roasting; always use an oven mitt. Boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a faster cook time. Add hearty vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to the skillet before roasting for a complete meal.

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