Seared Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Broccoli

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

Juicy chicken thighs seared with garlic and fresh lemon zest, served alongside caramelized roasted broccoli florets for a satisfying Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (dairy free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Season 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon zest, rubbing evenly over all surfaces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook for 3 minutes more.
  3. Step 3: While chicken sears, toss 4 cups broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Arrange broccoli around the chicken in the skillet. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and broccoli is tender with crispy edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from oven and drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 3 minced garlic cloves over the chicken and broccoli. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Seared Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Broccoli?

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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Broccoli?

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 Seared Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Broccoli 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.

Is Seared Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Broccoli whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, dairy free, 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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