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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 bright and flavorful dish featuring juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a tangy lemon and Dijon mustard marinade, topped with sweet, melt-in-your-mouth caramelized onions. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough to impress guests, combining rich textures with fresh citrus and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or rosemary)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary sprigs
  • Lemon slices or extra lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy to create a tangy glaze that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure every piece is fully coated, then refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: While the chicken marinates, thinly slice the onions. Heat olive oil or butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet, add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden brown and develop a sweet aroma, about 20-30 minutes.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Top generously with warm caramelized onions and garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the skin crisp up nicely during cooking.
  • Cook onions low and slow over medium-low heat to avoid burning and achieve perfect caramelization.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for better heat retention during searing and roasting.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Adjust the lemon juice and zest to taste for a stronger citrus flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, dijon mustard chicken, caramelized onions, chicken thighs, gluten free dinner, easy chicken recipe, tangy chicken

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