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–+ servings
lemon garlic chicken thighs
Carmen Spillette

Sticky Lemon Garlic Chicken

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Crispy pan fried chicken thighs in a sticky lemon garlic glaze made with butter, soy sauce, honey, and fresh lemon. No marinating needed, one pan, and about 30 minutes from cutting board to plate.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Mains
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 272

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 6 chicken thighs bone in
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour just sprinkled over the chicken, no heavy dredge
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil for pan frying
Lemon Garlic Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 lemon zest of the whole lemon, juice of half
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes reduce or skip for kids
Garnish
  • sesame seeds
  • green onion sliced

Equipment

  • 1 skillet with a lid

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towel. Season all over with the salt, pepper, and paprika.
    6 chicken thighs
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and turn each piece so it is lightly coated. No heavy dredge needed.
    1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan fry the chicken for 10 minutes per side, until golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
    2 tablespoons neutral oil
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and saute for 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
    3 garlic cloves
  5. Add the soy sauce, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
    2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  6. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes, until it reduces and turns thick and sticky.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan and turn each piece to coat in the glaze.
  8. Add the butter to the same pan. This will make the sauce thick and glossy.
    3 tablespoons butter
  9. Plate, spoon over extra sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Serve with rice and a crunchy salad.
    sesame seeds, green onion

Notes

  • A light sprinkle of flour is all you need. It gives the glaze something to cling to without turning into a heavy batter.
  • Use the zest of a whole lemon for the best flavor.
  • Fridge up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to bring the crust back.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 23gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 876mgPotassium: 363mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 880IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg

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