Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic-Lemon Sauce

Introduction

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic-Lemon Sauce is a delicious dish that is easy to make. This meal features juicy chicken thighs with a zesty lemon flavor and a creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for dinner any night of the week!

Why Make This Recipe

You should try this recipe because it combines great flavors and is simple to prepare. The lemon pepper seasoning adds a tangy kick to the chicken, while the creamy sauce brings everything together. It’s a comforting dish that your family will love, and it pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with Creamy Garlic-Lemon Sauce

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
Salt to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the creamy garlic-lemon sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1/2 cup chicken broth
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken thighs with lemon pepper seasoning and salt. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to mix everything well. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the creamy garlic-lemon sauce.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Serve the chicken thighs hot from the oven with the creamy garlic-lemon sauce drizzled on top. You can serve it with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or pasta. This adds a nice balance to the rich flavors of the dish.

How to Store Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

To store leftover chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Make sure to sear the chicken until it is nice and brown for extra flavor.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.
If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook a little longer to reduce it.

Variation

You can switch up the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks properly. Also, you can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the creamy sauce for a healthier twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this with boneless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just reduce the cooking time as they cook faster.

2. What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning? You can mix equal parts of black pepper and lemon zest or use just plain salt and pepper as an alternative.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.