Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs
Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight
If you’re in search of a recipe that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than these Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs. This dish combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of lemon and rosemary with the richness of garlic, creating a meal that’s as delicious as it is simple. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make a meal that’s full of flavor. The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and rosemary brings out the best in boneless chicken thighs, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Pairings: This dish pairs well with just about any side. Whether you prefer steamed vegetables like broccoli, grains like quinoa or brown rice, or a light and refreshing green salad, you’ll have a balanced and delicious meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: With a marinating time of at least 30 minutes, you can prep this dish ahead of time, making it even easier to get dinner on the table when life gets busy.
Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs
Thisquick and easy recipe is perfect for hectic weeknight meals. Featuring aclassic blend of lemon, garlic, and rosemary, this dish doesn’t need a lot offancy ingredients to deliver robust flavor.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine ½ of the lemon zest and juice with the garlic and rosemary and stir to combine. Place the remaining lemon zest in an airtight container and freeze for future use in marinades, soups, or salad dressings. Reserve the remaining lemon juice and set aside.
- Unroll chicken thighs, if necessary, to expose the entire surface area. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Place chicken thighs in a large, sealable plastic bag and pour marinade on top. Seal the bag and turn it several times to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator to marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- When ready to cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken thighs from the bag, allowing excess marinade to drip off before transferring them to another dish. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Working in batches if necessary, add chicken thighs to the 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.
- Add remaining lemon juice and ¼ cup water, if necessary, to a hot skillet to deglaze. Gently scrape the surface of the pan with a spatula to remove any browned bits. Bring liquid to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low.
- 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.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli adds a touch of freshness and color to your plate.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: Both grains are excellent for soaking up the flavorful sauce from the chicken.
- Leafy Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken.
Tips for Success
- Marinate Overnight: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight to really let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Don’t Skip the Deglaze: Deglazing the pan with lemon juice and water not only adds flavor but also helps create a rich, tangy sauce that enhances the dish.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the chicken thighs hot, right after cooking, so that the flavors are at their peak.
This Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe is a fantastic option for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and utterly delicious. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give it a try this week and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
