Description
Succulent Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs bring Mediterranean sunshine to dinner plates with rich, tangy elegance. Seared chicken nestles in a silky sauce that invites you to savor each luxurious, herb-infused bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
Citrus Components:
- 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 400°F (200°C) and coat a baking dish with nonstick spray for seamless cooking.
- Thoroughly dry chicken thighs and generously season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, developing a golden-brown crust for approximately 5 minutes; flip and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
- Transfer chicken from skillet, then introduce minced garlic to the same pan, sautéing until aromatic and releasing its intense flavor.
- Pour chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet, whisking to combine and create a vibrant base sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, gently incorporate heavy cream and dried oregano, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken.
- Reintroduce seared chicken thighs into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy lemon sauce.
- Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven, baking uncovered for approximately 25 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness and sauce becomes luxuriously rich.
Notes
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring crispy skin and tender meat.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust lemon intensity by increasing or decreasing juice and zest according to personal taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce total calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg