Preserved Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs

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

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a fragrant sauce of preserved lemons, fresh thyme, and garlic. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Preserved lemons, Fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 40 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz chicken thighs skin-side down, cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, flip, then add 2 thinly sliced preserved lemons (with pith removed) and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Preserved Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Preserved Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Preserved Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs?

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 Preserved Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Preserved Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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