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Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Onions

Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Onions
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Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Onions is a flavorful, tender chicken dish featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on thighs marinated in a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard glaze. Paired with slowly caramelized yellow onions, this meal balances bright citrus notes with rich, sweet depth, perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner that’s naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Caramelized Onions

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes and Herbs

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: While the chicken marinates, thinly slice the yellow onions. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, cooking gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and develop a deep, sweet aroma. Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
  3. Sear the Chicken Thighs: Heat a separate ovenproof skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving them for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. Combine and Roast: Add the caramelized onions to the pan with the seared chicken thighs, spooning some onions over the top of the chicken. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and juicy.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, or add an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

  • Use skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for a rich, natural sweetness.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight when possible for deeper flavor.
  • Use an ovenproof skillet like cast iron for easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon chicken, Dijon mustard chicken, caramelized onions, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/lemon-dijon-chicken-thighs-with-caramelized-onions/