Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy, golden chicken thighs pan-seared and finished with a bright, herbaceous lemon-tarragon butter sauce. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 7-8 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Remove chicken and set aside, tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. When melted, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it to coat. Serve immediately with pan sauce drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon Butter Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon Butter Sauce?

French chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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