Extra Crispy Lemon and Thyme Chicken
Try this Extra Crispy Lemon and Thyme Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Extra Crispy Lemon and Thyme Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt (i like pink himalayan salt)
- 8 chicken thighs deboned (800 g / 1.76 lb)
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tbsp ghee lard or coconut oil you can make your own ghee
- optional: serve with keto ranch dressing homemade ketchup or spicy chocolate bbq sauce
- Carbohydrate 6.59207750169316 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 12.953115 g
- Fiber 0.660125004712739 g
- Protein 0.642937500074554 g
- Saturated Fat 1.792497 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (67g)
- Sodium 2.0865000001962 mg
- Sugar 5.93195249698042 g
- Trans Fat 0.362346999999999 g
- Calories 137 calories
Step-by-step
- Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears and cut out the bone without leaving too much meat on it. You can also trim the excess fat off but I prefer not to trim mine.
- Reserve the bones for making chicken stock or keto bone broth. I keep mine in a bag in the freezer until I just have enough to make a batch.
- Place the thighs on a chopping board skin side up and use a meat pounder to flatten it so that the thickest parts can cook through.
- Layer the thighs in a bowl and add the seasoning: lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, thyme, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Mix to cover evenly from all sides.
- Place in the fridge to marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and place the thighs on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Use another piece of paper towel to pat dry the tops. It's better if you remove all the spices used for marinating from the skin to prevent the it from burning. You can leave them on the meaty side of the thigh.
- Heat a large skillet greased with ghee over a medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 7-10 minutes (I cook mine for 8 minutes). Rotate the pan half way through to ensure even cooking.
- Then turn the chicken thighs the other side using kitchen tongs or a fork. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until cooked through. Pan-frying the chicken will be messy. The best way to prevent the oil from getting everywhere over your stove is to use a spatter guard.
- Transfer to a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet so the juices can drip down. Let the thighs rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Repeat for the remaining thighs and enjoy!
My Go-To Recipe for Crispy, Flavorful Chicken
As a busy working mom, time is always of the essence. I need recipes that are both delicious and quick, and this Extra Crispy Lemon and Thyme Chicken fits the bill perfectly. This isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a recipe that's elevated my family's meal expectations. The crispy skin and juicy meat, bursting with bright lemon and earthy thyme flavors, have become a family favorite. And the best part? It's surprisingly simple to make, even on those nights when I'm juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything in between. The marinade is a game-changer; it infuses the chicken with so much flavor, you really don't need much else. I often serve it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables, but sometimes, the chicken alone is satisfying enough.
The Magic of the Marinade: The secret to this chicken's incredible flavor lies in its simple yet effective marinade. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, fragrant thyme, and garlic creates a symphony of flavors that permeates the chicken, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. The olive oil adds richness, while the salt and pepper enhance the overall taste. I personally love using pink Himalayan salt for its subtle mineral notes, but regular salt works just as well. I usually marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but overnight is even better – the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. This marinade is also incredibly versatile; you can experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique variations. For instance, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes would give it a nice kick. Or for a Mediterranean twist, try oregano or rosemary.
Perfecting the Crisp: Achieving that perfectly crispy skin is key to this recipe's success. The key is to pat the chicken dry before cooking. This removes excess moisture, which helps the skin crisp up beautifully. I use paper towels to pat both the skin and the meat side, ensuring no trace of moisture remains. Removing excess marinade from the skin prevents burning and promotes even browning. Cooking the chicken skin-side down first in a hot skillet ensures that it gets beautifully browned and crispy. I use ghee, but you can easily substitute lard or coconut oil – all work wonderfully. If you want to take the crisping up a notch, you could even broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking.
A Recipe for Any Occasion: This Extra Crispy Lemon and Thyme Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a special occasion meal, or even a potluck. The beautiful presentation and incredible flavor always impress my guests. It's also a great recipe for meal prepping; you can cook a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. The chicken reheats beautifully and retains its flavor and texture. I often add it to salads, tacos, or grain bowls for a quick and healthy lunch.
Beyond the Plate: This recipe has become more than just a dinner option for me. It's a symbol of my ability to balance my busy life with a passion for good food. It's a testament to the fact that even with a demanding schedule, you can create delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals for your family. This recipe represents a small victory every time I make it – a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's always time for something truly delicious.
Experiment and Enjoy: Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Try adding different vegetables to the pan while cooking the chicken, such as sliced bell peppers or onions. You can also adjust the seasoning to your liking. The beauty of cooking is its adaptability; don't hesitate to customize this recipe to suit your taste and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. And most importantly, remember to enjoy the process and savor the incredible taste of this Extra Crispy Lemon and Thyme Chicken!
