Sear-Charred Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon

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

Juicy chicken thighs caramelized with lemon and fresh tarragon, finished with a glossy herb butter that clings to every bite. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs skin-on chicken thighs, avocado oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear undisturbed for 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, add lemon zest and juice to the skillet, and transfer to a preheated 400°F oven. Roast for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken, tent with foil, and pour pan drippings into a small bowl. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 tbsp fresh tarragon to the drippings, whisking until melted and emulsified. Pour sauce over chicken and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Charred Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sear-Charred Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon?

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 skin-on chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sear-Charred Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon?

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 Sear-Charred Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon 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.

What goes well with Sear-Charred Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Tarragon?

American 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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