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Lemon Dill Chicken Thighs

Lemon Dill Chicken Thighs

A flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Dill Chicken Thighs recipe that delivers juicy, tender chicken with a bright citrus and fresh herbal taste. Perfect for quick dinners or entertaining, combining simple pantry ingredients for a savory and tangy meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for cooking
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to create a bright, fragrant marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and let them soak for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil to ensure the chicken skin crisps nicely without sticking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices. Garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon slices for a fresh, bright finish.

Notes

  • Pat dry chicken skin before cooking for maximum crispiness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for even browning.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for optimal brightness over bottled lemon juice.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices and keep it moist.
  • Reserve some marinade to heat and use as a sauce, but only if it hasn’t touched raw chicken or is thoroughly cooked.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, dill chicken, chicken thighs recipe, easy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipe, gluten free chicken