Introduction: Can Chicken Be Shatteringly Crisp and Juicy with a Zesty Sauce?
Craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight? Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter, created by Eric Kim, delivers perfectly crispy chicken thighs with a glossy, tangy lime butter sauce. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 1,428 reviews, this easy recipe uses a “bottom-up cooking” technique for ultimate crispiness. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing? Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!
Overview: Why Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter Shines
Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter is loved for its crispy skin, tender meat, and vibrant pan sauce. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 5 minutes prep, 35 minutes cooking, totaling 40 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires seasoning, searing, and making a quick sauce, perfect for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: Slow-searing chicken thighs skin-side down creates shatteringly crisp skin, while a quick pan sauce of chicken stock, lime juice, maple syrup, and butter adds a glossy, tangy finish. This recipe serves 4, ideal for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings.
Perfect as a main dish paired with holiday sides or a simple weeknight meal.
Essential Ingredients
Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter uses pantry staples for a restaurant-worthy result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds): The star, delivering juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasons the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil: Ensures even browning and crispiness.
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken stock or ¼ cup water: Forms the sauce base.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving: Brings bright, tangy flavor.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pats: Creates a glossy, rich sauce.
- Parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint leaves, for serving (optional): Adds fresh, herbaceous garnish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs ensure juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Lime Juice and Maple Syrup: Balance tartness and sweetness in the sauce.
- Butter: Emulsifies for a glossy, luxurious finish.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with savory depth.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes) or drumsticks.
- Peanut/Canola Oil: Swap with olive oil or vegetable oil for searing.
- Chicken Stock: Replace with vegetable stock or water with a pinch of bouillon.
- Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice or orange juice for a different citrus note.
- Maple Syrup: Use honey or brown sugar (1-2 teaspoons) for sweetness.
- Butter: Swap with plant-based butter for vegan (if replacing chicken with a plant-based alternative).
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken thighs, vegetable stock, and plant-based butter.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure stock is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Crispy Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- Citrus Burst Chicken: Include 1 teaspoon orange zest with the lime juice.
- Honey-Garlic Chicken: Replace maple syrup with honey and add an extra garlic clove.
- Soy-Glazed Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce to the sauce for umami.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter is a straightforward process that yields crispy, juicy results. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup chicken stock (or ¼ cup water), 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 3 tablespoons butter, lime wedges, optional herbs.
- Pat 4 chicken thighs dry with paper towels; season generously with salt and pepper.
- Crush 2 garlic cloves; cut 3 tablespoons butter into pats and keep cold.
- Set aside at room temperature for 10-30 minutes (if time allows).
Tip: Drying the chicken ensures crispy skin; season generously for flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil and swirl to coat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down; cook without moving until skin is crispy and golden brown, 20-25 minutes.
- Reduce heat if the chicken splatters excessively or browns too quickly.
Tip: Listen for a gentle sputter; the sound stops when the skin is crisp and the chicken is nearly cooked.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking
- Add 2 crushed garlic cloves to the pan.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook until the bottom is lightly browned and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), about 5 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a plate, skin-side up.
- Remove all but 3 tablespoons fat from the pan (reserve excess for another use, like frying vegetables).
Tip: Use a spatula to flip carefully to keep skin intact; reserve fat (schmaltz) for future cooking.
Step 4: Make the Lime Butter Sauce
- Add ½ cup chicken stock (or ¼ cup water), 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 2 teaspoons maple syrup to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper; bring to a simmer over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Add 3 tablespoons cold butter pats; stir constantly until melted and sauce is thickened and glossy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Tip: Stir butter continuously to emulsify for a smooth, shiny sauce; don’t boil after adding butter.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the chicken thighs, skin-side up, and spoon the lime butter sauce over them.
- Serve with lime wedges and optional fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint, spritzed with lime juice and lightly seasoned).
- Serve immediately, about 1 thigh per serving, paired with sides like roasted broccoli or the best baked mac and cheese.
Tip: Drizzle sauce generously; garnish with herbs just before serving for freshness.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Crispy Chicken
Making Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter is all about achieving crispy skin and a vibrant sauce. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Chicken Thighs: Slow-seared for maximum crispiness and juiciness.
- Lime Butter Sauce: Tangy, sweet, and glossy for a restaurant-quality finish.
- Garlic: Infuses subtle depth without overpowering.
- Herb Garnish: Adds a fresh, colorful touch.
Presentation Tips
- Serve on a platter with sauce drizzled over the chicken for a glossy look.
- Garnish with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for vibrancy.
- Pair with holiday sides like spinach gratin or desserts like French apple tart for a complete meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter is best fresh but can be prepped ahead or saved.
- Storage:
- Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months; wrap tightly to preserve texture.
- Make-Ahead:
- Season chicken up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate.
- Prepare sauce ingredients (stock, lime juice, maple syrup) ahead but make sauce fresh for best texture.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to re-crisp skin; reheat sauce gently on low heat, adding a splash of stock if needed. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
- Tip: Store reserved chicken fat (schmaltz) in the fridge for up to 1 month for other recipes.
Recipe Variations
Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Replace lime juice with lemon juice and garnish with rosemary.
- Vegan Crispy “Chicken”: Use plant-based chicken thighs and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure stock is gluten-free.
- Spicy Maple Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes to the sauce.
- Orange-Ginger Chicken: Use orange juice and add ½ teaspoon grated ginger.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal (varies by portion size and fat retention).
- Protein: High, from chicken.
- Fat: High, from chicken skin, oil, and butter.
- Carbs: Low, from maple syrup.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Crispy, Zesty Perfection!
Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter is the dish that brings restaurant-style crispiness and vibrant flavor to every bite. With its shatteringly crisp skin, juicy meat, and tangy, glossy sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or holiday feasts. Easy to make with a big flavor payoff, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your skillet, sear up this classic, and enjoy a taste of culinary magic. We’d love to hear how your chicken turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter
Description
Craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight? Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter, created by Eric Kim, delivers perfectly crispy chicken thighs with a glossy, tangy lime butter sauce. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 1,428 reviews, this easy recipe uses a “bottom-up cooking” technique for ultimate crispiness.
Ingredients
Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter uses pantry staples for a restaurant-worthy result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds): The star, delivering juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasons the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil: Ensures even browning and crispiness.
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken stock or ¼ cup water: Forms the sauce base.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving: Brings bright, tangy flavor.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pats: Creates a glossy, rich sauce.
- Parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint leaves, for serving (optional): Adds fresh, herbaceous garnish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs ensure juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Lime Juice and Maple Syrup: Balance tartness and sweetness in the sauce.
- Butter: Emulsifies for a glossy, luxurious finish.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with savory depth.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes) or drumsticks.
- Peanut/Canola Oil: Swap with olive oil or vegetable oil for searing.
- Chicken Stock: Replace with vegetable stock or water with a pinch of bouillon.
- Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice or orange juice for a different citrus note.
- Maple Syrup: Use honey or brown sugar (1-2 teaspoons) for sweetness.
- Butter: Swap with plant-based butter for vegan (if replacing chicken with a plant-based alternative).
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken thighs, vegetable stock, and plant-based butter.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure stock is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Crispy Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- Citrus Burst Chicken: Include 1 teaspoon orange zest with the lime juice.
- Honey-Garlic Chicken: Replace maple syrup with honey and add an extra garlic clove.
- Soy-Glazed Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce to the sauce for umami.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup chicken stock (or ¼ cup water), 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 3 tablespoons butter, lime wedges, optional herbs.
- Pat 4 chicken thighs dry with paper towels; season generously with salt and pepper.
- Crush 2 garlic cloves; cut 3 tablespoons butter into pats and keep cold.
- Set aside at room temperature for 10-30 minutes (if time allows).
Tip: Drying the chicken ensures crispy skin; season generously for flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil and swirl to coat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down; cook without moving until skin is crispy and golden brown, 20-25 minutes.
- Reduce heat if the chicken splatters excessively or browns too quickly.
Tip: Listen for a gentle sputter; the sound stops when the skin is crisp and the chicken is nearly cooked.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking
- Add 2 crushed garlic cloves to the pan.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook until the bottom is lightly browned and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), about 5 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a plate, skin-side up.
- Remove all but 3 tablespoons fat from the pan (reserve excess for another use, like frying vegetables).
Tip: Use a spatula to flip carefully to keep skin intact; reserve fat (schmaltz) for future cooking.
Step 4: Make the Lime Butter Sauce
- Add ½ cup chicken stock (or ¼ cup water), 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 2 teaspoons maple syrup to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper; bring to a simmer over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Add 3 tablespoons cold butter pats; stir constantly until melted and sauce is thickened and glossy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Tip: Stir butter continuously to emulsify for a smooth, shiny sauce; don’t boil after adding butter.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the chicken thighs, skin-side up, and spoon the lime butter sauce over them.
- Serve with lime wedges and optional fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint, spritzed with lime juice and lightly seasoned).
- Serve immediately, about 1 thigh per serving, paired with sides like roasted broccoli or the best baked mac and cheese.
Tip: Drizzle sauce generously; garnish with herbs just before serving for freshness.
FAQs
1. Why is my skin not crispy?
Wet chicken or high heat can prevent crispiness; pat dry thoroughly and cook over medium heat.
2. Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, use bone-in, skin-on breasts; cook skin-side down for 25-30 minutes, then flip for 5-7 minutes.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free; ensure chicken stock is gluten-free.
4. Why is my sauce not glossy?
Insufficient butter or not stirring constantly can affect texture; add butter gradually and stir until emulsified.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Season chicken ahead; cook and make sauce fresh for best crispiness and flavor.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Chicken provides protein; high in fat from skin and butter, so enjoy in moderation.