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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained The key to a great crispy lemon herb chicken is using fresh and quality ingredients. Start with your chicken thighs. They are juicy and tender, perfect for this dish. The seasonings—salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder—bring out the chicken's flavor. Next, you need cooking fats. Olive oil adds a nice flavor, while unsalted butter gives richness. Fresh herbs like lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and parsley brighten the dish. They create that fresh taste. Don’t forget the cherry tomatoes and capers. They add color and a burst of flavor. The tomatoes give sweetness, and capers add a salty touch. You can find the full recipe to help you through the cooking process. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste and texture. Enjoy cooking! Start by seasoning the chicken thighs. Use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. This adds great flavor to the chicken. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they are fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add lemon zest and juice, along with thyme and rosemary. Stir to mix everything well. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes and capers. Stir gently to coat them in the lemon herb mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly. This adds a nice pop of color and taste to the sauce. Place the cooked chicken thighs back in the skillet. Spoon the lemon herb sauce over them. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to heat through. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the tasty flavors. When done, remove from heat. For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds a burst of color and flavor. Serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a full meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make your chicken crispy, cook it at medium-high heat. This helps brown the chicken well. Aim for about 5-7 minutes per side. Check that the chicken is golden brown. Using a cast-iron skillet can help with even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan; this can trap steam and make your chicken soggy. You can add spices to give the chicken more flavor. Try adding smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. If you want a kick, some crushed red pepper works great too. Marinate the chicken for a few hours, if you have time. This makes the flavors deeper and richer. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. When plating, place the chicken on a large, bright plate. Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken for color. A sprinkle of parsley adds a nice touch. Lemon slices can also make the dish look fresh and inviting. The bright colors make the meal more appealing. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_2}} You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner but still tasty. Cook them for a shorter time to keep them juicy. If you want a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu. It absorbs flavors well and provides a good texture. Another option is to use chickpeas or lentils for a hearty meal. To mix things up, add different herbs like basil or parsley. You can also use lime or orange juice for a twist. If you love spice, try adding red pepper flakes. For a colorful addition, toss in bell peppers or zucchini. These veggies will add both flavor and nutrition. You can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat it to 400°F and cook for about 25 minutes. This gives you a hands-off approach. If you prefer a smoky taste, grilling works great. Just marinate the chicken first and grill until cooked through. This method adds a nice char and depth of flavor. For the Full Recipe, make sure to check out the steps and details! To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the chicken may lose its taste and texture. For reheating, use a skillet or oven. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil to help retain moisture. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. If using an oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes. To keep the chicken crispy, avoid microwaving. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above. Freezing may slightly change the chicken's texture but will keep its flavor. For the best results, enjoy it fresh when possible. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet section. You can serve this chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - Rice or quinoa for a filling base. - A light salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a crunchy addition. These sides balance the flavors of the chicken nicely. They also add color to your plate. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Season the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Cook the chicken and make the sauce, then let it cool down. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs: - The juices should run clear, not pink. - The meat should be firm to the touch. When cooked right, the chicken will be juicy and flavorful. You’ve learned how to make Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken thighs to fresh herbs. I shared steps for preparing chicken and making a flavorful sauce. You discovered tips for crispiness and visual presentation, plus ideas for variations. Remember to store leftovers properly and follow reheating tips to enjoy every bite. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor and can be tailored to your taste. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy creating a delicious meal.

Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet

Savor the delicious taste of Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet, a perfect dish for any weeknight dinner! This easy recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a zesty lemon herb sauce, cherry tomatoes, and capers for a burst of flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful meal that dazzles. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends at the dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained

Instructions
 

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring both sides are coated evenly.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the lemon zest and juice, along with the thyme and rosemary. Stir to combine everything and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

        Add the halved cherry tomatoes and capers to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the lemon herb mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes have softened slightly.

          Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet and spoon the lemon herb sauce over them. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to heat through.

            Remove from heat, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices on the side. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.