Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Onions is a flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard sauce, then seared and simmered with sweet caramelized onions. This recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors, making it an easy and delicious meal served best with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon bouillon powder or seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels and set them aside. Thinly slice the onions and mince the garlic cloves to be ready for the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, sliced onions, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, bouillon powder, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- Brown the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, but keep the remaining marinade and onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the reserved onions and marinade into the pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions become soft and lightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Simmer the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the caramelized onions in the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or lemon juice as needed. Spoon the caramelized onions and savory sauce over the chicken thighs and serve hot with your choice of rice, couscous, or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs depending on your preference.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to suit your heat tolerance.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth by simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Serve with side dishes like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: chicken thighs, lemon Dijon chicken, caramelized onions, easy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken, savory chicken, dinner recipe