Stovetop Braised Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs braised in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, flip and cook for 3 minutes more.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in 1 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken thighs to the skillet skin-side up, reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving for a fresh finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Braised Chicken with Lemon and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Stovetop Braised Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Braised Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

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 Stovetop Braised Chicken with Lemon and Garlic 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 Stovetop Braised Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

Mediterranean 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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