Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs with a lemon-herb butter and warm spices. Simple sheet pan dinner for two.

Serves 2 servings

Ingredients

• Chicken:
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Herb Butter:
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• Pan:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels on both sides. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Mix the herb butter: combine softened butter with garlic powder, oregano, basil, paprika, cumin, and lemon zest if using. Mash together with a fork.
4. Loosen the skin on each thigh and spread the herb butter underneath the skin directly onto the meat. Press the skin back down.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat.
6. Place thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
7. Flip the thighs skin-side up. Pour the lemon juice and broth into the pan around (not over) the chicken.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
9. Rest the thighs for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the pan juices over the top.

Notes

**Butter goes under the skin** — same principle as the Instant Pot whole chicken. Exterior butter just slides off; under the skin it bastes the meat directly. **Don't skip the sear.** The skin-side sear is what gives you that restaurant-quality crispy skin. Make sure the thighs are very dry before they hit the pan. **Pan juices** are loaded with flavor — spoon them over the chicken or use as a dipping sauce with cheese on the side. **Leftovers** reheat well in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to re-crisp the skin. Microwave works but you'll lose the crispiness.

ChickenDinnerMediterranean