Description
These Nigella Lawson Chicken Thighs are juicy, golden, and smothered in a creamy garlic sauce with hints of lemon and thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this one-skillet recipe is rich in flavor yet easy to make in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 sprigs fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
⅓ cup heavy cream
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place chicken skin side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 8–10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced shallot and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish & Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Swap thyme for rosemary or tarragon for a flavor twist.
Bone-in thighs work too—just adjust cooking time.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg