This quick and easy recipe is perfect for hectic weeknight meals.
Featuring a classic blend of lemon, garlic, and rosemary, this
dish doesn’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to deliver robust
flavor. What’s more, it pairs beautifully with just about any
side dish you choose, including steamed broccoli, brown rice,
quinoa, or a leafy green salad.
Prep time: 15 minutes + time to marinate
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes,
Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 large lemons, zest and juice, divided
1 T. garlic, finely minced
2 T. fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
Optional: Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine ½ of the lemon zest and juice with
the garlic and rosemary and stir to combine. Place remaining
lemon zest in an airtight container and freeze for future use in
marinades, soups, or salad dressings. Reserve remaining lemon
juice and set aside.
2. Unroll chicken thighs, if necessary, to expose entire surface
area. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large, sealable plastic bag and
pour marinade on top. Seal bag and turn several times to ensure
chicken is evenly coated. Place bag in the refrigerator to
marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. When ready to cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over
medium-high heat. Remove chicken thighs from bag, allowing excess
marinade drip off before transferring to another dish. Discard
remaining marinade.
5. Working in batches if necessary, add chicken thighs to hot
skillet and cook until browned on each side, approximately 3-4
minutes per side. Transfer thighs to a clean serving platter and
set aside.
6. Add remaining lemon juice and ¼ cup water, if necessary, to
hot skillet to deglaze. Gently scrape surface of pan with spatula
to remove any browned bits. Bring liquid to a boil and then
reduce heat to medium-low.
7. Return chicken thighs to skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes
or until chicken is cooked through. Season with additional salt
and black pepper, to taste. Remove from heat and serve
immediately with your choice of sides.