Savory Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs Recipe: Ina Garten’s Magic

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these creamy Ina Garten chicken thighs with lemon & thyme deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Succulent, tender chicken bathes in a luxurious sauce that whispers elegance and simplicity.

Rich cream mingles with bright lemon zest, creating a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Fragrant thyme adds an earthy depth, turning an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tangy and smooth, guaranteed to make your taste buds sing.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, proving gourmet cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

You’ll savor every forkful of this irresistible dish that transforms dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 6

The Ingredients List for Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Thyme

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent cuts with rich flavor and tender texture, perfect for absorbing delicious herbs and sauce; choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juiciness and crispy skin.

• Onion, Leeks: Provide sweet, mellow base notes and depth to the sauce; select fresh, firm vegetables without soft spots or blemishes.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent undertone that complements chicken's richness; choose plump, firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Thyme Sprigs: Delivers earthy, herbal essence that beautifully elevates the dish; opt for fresh sprigs with vibrant green leaves.

• Chicken Stock: Builds foundational savory liquid for sauce; use high-quality, low-sodium stock for controlled seasoning.
• White Wine: Introduces bright acidity and complexity to sauce; select dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Crème Fraîche: Creates luxurious, silky texture and subtle tanginess; choose full-fat version for richness.
• Lemon: Provides zesty brightness and cuts through richness; select firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy chicken skin and adds subtle fruity undertone; use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop deep, golden color for vegetables; use unsalted for precise seasoning control.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Use for Ina’s Chicken Thighs

• Sheet Pan: Large, flat baking surface for roasting chicken thighs.
• Large Sauté Pan (12-inch/30 cm): Ovenproof pan for cooking vegetables and creating sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for blending crème fraîche and combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping onions, leeks, and garlic.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate salt and pepper seasoning.
• Paper Towels: To pat chicken dry before roasting.

How to Cook Creamy Lemon Chicken à la Ina

• Oven Preparation

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for our chicken adventure.

• Chicken Transformation

Lay chicken thighs on a baking sheet, giving them a quick pat down. Massage with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Let them roast until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown and the meat is perfectly cooked.

• Vegetable Symphony

In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil together. Toss in onions and leeks, letting them dance and soften. Add garlic for an extra flavor punch, stirring until fragrant.

• Creamy Sauce Magic

Pour in chicken stock and white wine, letting the liquid simmer and mingle. Whisk in crème fraîche and a splash of bright lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the sauce sings.

• Final Fusion

Gently nestle the roasted chicken into the velvety sauce. Scatter lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs across the top. Return the skillet to the oven for a final 15-minute flavor infusion.

• Delicious Presentation

Serve the chicken swimming in its luscious sauce, spooned over fluffy rice or couscous for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips for Adjusting Flavors in This Ina Classic

• Marinate chicken thighs in lemon juice and thyme for 1-2 hours before cooking to intensify the herb and citrus notes.
• Replace chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts or tender chicken drumsticks for varied texture and cooking experience.
• Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving to add brightness and fresh aromatics to the creamy sauce.
• Refrigerate leftover chicken in sauce for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity when reheated gently.
• Add diced carrots or sliced mushrooms alongside onions and leeks to create additional layers of rustic flavor and nutritional variety.

Serving Ina Garten’s Chicken Thighs with a Side of Style

• Plate with Rustic Charm: Arrange the golden chicken thighs on a large ceramic platter, letting the creamy sauce pool around the edges for a beautiful, inviting presentation.
• Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and chopped parsley over the dish just before serving to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor.
• Rice Pairing Perfect: Serve the chicken over fluffy basmati rice or soft couscous, allowing the rich, lemony sauce to soak into the grains and create a luxurious one-plate meal.
• Wine Companion Delight: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright, tangy sauce and cut through the creamy richness.

Storage Notes for Keeping Chicken Thighs Tender

• Maximize Meal Prep: Slice and chop vegetables in advance, storing them in airtight containers to reduce cooking time and stress during meal preparation.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Carefully pack cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Smart Reheating Method: Gently warm chicken in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring each bite tastes freshly cooked.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Thyme Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s creamy chicken thighs with lemon & thyme showcase Mediterranean flavors in a comforting dish. Succulent chicken nestles in a rich sauce, inviting diners to savor each luxurious bite with crusty bread and fresh herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 thighs)
• 1.5 cups (150 g) chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 1.5 cups (150 g) chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
• 0.5 small lemon, sliced in thin half-rounds
• 2 tsps (2 cloves) minced garlic
• 8 to 10 sprigs fresh thyme
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) crème fraîche
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Good olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cooked basmati rice or couscous, for serving

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Pat thighs dry and arrange skin-side up on a sheet pan. Massage with olive oil, then generously season with salt and pepper.
2. Initial Roasting: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and skin turns golden-brown and crispy. Transfer chicken to a side plate.
3. Vegetable Sauté: In a large ovenproof sauté pan, combine butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and leeks until translucent and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
4. Liquid Development: Introduce chicken stock and white wine, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 5 minutes, concentrating the underlying flavors.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk crème fraîche and lemon juice into the simmering liquid, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Final Assembly: Gently nestle roasted chicken thighs into the prepared sauce. Strategically place lemon slices between chicken pieces and scatter fresh thyme sprigs across the top.
7. Final Roasting: Return pan to the oven and roast uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Serving: Plate the chicken immediately, generously spooning the rich, aromatic sauce over basmati rice or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Chicken Skin Technique: Pat thighs completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior during roasting.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk crème fraîche slowly and off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Add fresh thyme sprigs at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor and aromatic qualities, preventing bitterness from prolonged heating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg