Lemon-Oregano Chicken Recipe

Lemon-Oregano Chicken Recipe

  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
  • 8 chicken thighs with skin (about 1 3/4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Accompaniment: lemon wedges
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in middle.
  2. Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, then whisk together with 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pat chicken dry and coat with lemon-garlic mixture.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and remaining tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until foam subsides. Brown chicken in 2 batches, skin side down, until golden and crisp, 5 to 6 minutes (chicken will not be cooked through). Transfer, skin side up, to a 4-sided sheet pan.
  4. Pour off fat (and any small burnt pieces) from skillet. Add broth and remaining tablespoon lemon juice and boil until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Whisk in remaining tablespoon butter and oregano, then pour over chicken.
  5. Roast chicken in oven until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.