Lemon chicken thighs are a delicious, light, quick, and economical main course. Very tasty and also appetizing.
At my house, we prepare chicken at least once a week in different versions, but this fresh and fragrant variant pleases everyone.
An easy light main course today I used thighs but a whole chicken cut into pieces works just as well.
Chicken thighs are the preferred parts because they’re very tender and tasty on their own in all types of cooking methods, whether roasted or stewed, without needing special care or too many seasonings.
The result is always impeccable: juicy, flavorful, fragrant, and tender, a main course everyone enjoys, accompanied by a mixed salad, roasted potatoes, or citrus or herb sauces;
perfect to serve on Sunday lunch or during a dinner with friends: a delight!
You can vary this recipe by substituting lemon with orange, lime, or pink grapefruit to offer different flavors each time.
Very easy to prepare, just a few ingredients are needed, and the work is done.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4/6
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 5.57 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 1.09 (g) of which sugars 0.33 (g)
- Proteins 0.27 (g)
- Fat 0.06 (g) of which saturated 0.02 (g)of which unsaturated 0.03 (g)
- Fibers 0.49 (g)
- Sodium 454.87 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 150 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Thighs
- 2.2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 lemons (juice)
- 1 sprig rosemary
- leaves sage
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt
- pepper
- Half glass water
Tools
- Casserole
- Citrus Juicer
Steps for Lemon Chicken Thighs
Season the chicken pieces with a few pinches of fine salt, massaging the meat a little to let the seasoning penetrate well.
In a large non-stick pan, heat and brown the chicken pieces.
(No oil is needed as long as it’s non-stick, and the pan is hot; the skin will release its juices).
Brown the chicken on all sides over high heat.
This step is crucial to seal the meat, creating a crispy layer that holds the juices inside, resulting in tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin.
Turn and rotate for at least 7/8 minutes.
Once the meat is sealed, deglaze the chicken with the lemon juice and add half a kitchen glass (about 100 ml) of water right after.
Scent with sage, rosemary, and two garlic cloves.
Lower the heat, keeping it medium-low; you can cover with a lid leaving it slightly ajar, and continue cooking, adding some lemon slices and a sprinkle of pepper.
Cook over low heat with the lid for about 30/35 minutes, turning the meat.
If necessary, and if you see it drying too much, add a bit more water.
After the cooking time, remove the lid and, if necessary, let the cooking liquid reduce until you get a sauce.
Once fully cooked, serve the lemon chicken hot.
Perhaps accompanied by roasted potatoes or a fresh mixed salad, or as I did, a nice fennel and orange salad.
Enjoy your meal.
Tips
First of all, remember that chicken should never be washed; any possible bacteria die during cooking, whereas the water used to rinse raw chicken can become (via splashes) a vehicle for spreading bacteria, which will settle on hands, utensils, and the sink.
You can use the aromatic herbs you prefer.
You can also use other parts of the chicken.
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Notes
White meat is also an important source of vitamins and minerals for the body, especially B vitamins like B3, B6, and B12.
Particularly rich in vitamin B3 (niacin), which contributes to regular metabolism for energy production, proper functioning of the nervous system and psychological functions, and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Chicken also contains phosphorus, which maintains dental health. Additionally, some cuts, like chicken thighs, are a source of zinc, a substance that supports essential physiological functions such as carbohydrate metabolism, cognitive functions, and the efficiency of the immune system.
