Braised Lemon Pepper Chicken

Braised Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Experience the perfect balance of tangy lemon and bold black pepper with this easy Braised Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe. It’s a delicious, tender dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a flavorful, juicy chicken meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken
   Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest.

2. Sear the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the braising liquid
   Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and add the lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits.

4. Braise the chicken
   Return chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Sprinkle thyme over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Finish the sauce
   Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a serving plate. Stir butter into the braising liquid to thicken and add richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper if needed.

6. Serve
   Spoon the lemon pepper sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Braised Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and moistness.

• Don’t skip searing — it locks in flavor and creates crispy skin.

• For extra lemon flavor, add thin lemon slices to the braising liquid.

• Try serving with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Braised Lemon Pepper Chicken is packed with fresh citrus flavor and a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the dish. It’s an effortless meal that comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy and quick. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate simple ingredients into a satisfying, gourmet meal.

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