Lemon-Anchovy Garlic Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed dish that turns simple chicken into something extraordinary. Golden, juicy chicken thighs are bathed in a silky lemon-anchovy sauce, perfectly balanced with fresh garlic and bright citrus. The result is a meal that’s both rustic and elegant, ready in under 30 minutes.
Anchovies, a hidden gem in Mediterranean cooking, melt seamlessly into the sauce, delivering rich umami without an overpowering fish taste. Paired with caramelized garlic and fresh lemon juice, they create a flavor base that’s vibrant, savory, and unforgettable.
This dish works beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, spooned over pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables. Its versatility makes it ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re new to cooking with anchovies or already a fan, this recipe brings a fresh, exciting twist to the dinner table — one that will keep you coming back for more.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Build the flavor base: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and anchovies to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and anchovies melt into the oil.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Finish with butter: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in butter, one cube at a time, until sauce is glossy.
6. Serve: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Anchovies: They melt into the sauce, adding a savory depth without tasting fishy.
- Slice Garlic Thin: Thin slices release more flavor and caramelize evenly without burning.
- Finish Off-Heat: Adding butter after removing the pan from heat keeps the sauce silky, not greasy.
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