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Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.3 from 7 reviews

This oven-baked lemon butter chicken thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin. Featuring a simple marinade of garlic, lemon juice, and melted butter, this keto-friendly dish is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner, ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 8 skin-on boneless chicken thighs (1.7lb/800g) or 4 skin-on boneless chicken quarters

Marinade

  • 2 large cloves of garlic, pressed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Thinly sliced lemon
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) ensuring it reaches the right temperature before baking the chicken.
  2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them skin side up on a foil-lined baking tray. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
  3. Prepare Lemon Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, and pressed garlic until well combined.
  4. Coat Chicken and Add Lemon Slices: Once the oven is hot, brush the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the chicken skin. Top each piece with thin slices of fresh lemon for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
  5. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns a golden brown.
  6. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 3 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
  8. Serve: Serve the chicken warm, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal finish.

Notes

  • NET CARB: Approximately 1g per serving, making it ideal for keto diets.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For best results, use skin-on chicken to achieve crispy skin.
  • Broiling time may vary, so watch closely to prevent overcooking the skin.