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Forgotten Chicken

Forgotten Chicken
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Forgotten Chicken is a quick, comforting, and flavorful recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into a delicious meal with crispy chicken skin and bright herb and lemon notes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines classic cooking techniques with easy adaptability to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it a family-friendly favorite that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Optional Vegetables

  • Roasted carrots, potatoes, or onions (amount as desired)

Instructions

  1. Prep and season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up well during cooking. Generously season all sides with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, making sure every piece is evenly coated.
  2. Heat the pan and add oil: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, swirling to cover the bottom. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the chicken to achieve maximum crispiness.
  3. Sear the chicken skin-side down: Place the chicken skin-side down in the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy, locking in flavor and texture.
  4. Flip and add aromatics: Turn the chicken over and add whole garlic cloves and sprigs of fresh herbs to the pan. This allows the flavors to infuse as the chicken finishes cooking.
  5. Finish cooking & finish with lemon: Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken to brighten and balance the flavors.

Notes

  • Always thoroughly dry chicken skin before cooking for the crispiest results.
  • Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes prior to cooking for even doneness.
  • Using a cast iron skillet improves searing and heat retention.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and maintain crispy skin.
  • Add fresh herbs near the end of cooking to preserve their aroma and prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten free, weeknight meal, crispy chicken, comforting meal

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/forgotten-chicken/