Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are an absolute delight that I often find myself making for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, this dish combines succulent chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce that’s hard to resist. There’s something special about the way the skin crisps up in the pan and then bakes to perfection in the oven, absorbing the savory flavors. It’s these comforting, mouth-watering moments that keep you going back for seconds—or maybe even thirds.

Reasons to Try It

This recipe is a must-try for a plethora of reasons. First and foremost, it makes weeknight dinners a breeze, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. With just a handful of pantry staples, it’s both budget-friendly and kid-approved, making it the perfect choice for busy families. Plus, the unique blend of garlic, thyme, and rosemary elevates the dish, turning everyday chicken into a gourmet experience.

"This was a huge hit with my family! The chicken was so tender and the garlic butter sauce was divine. Absolutely making this again!"

Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Let’s break down how this delectable recipe comes together. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven, as this ensures your dish will cook evenly. Patting the chicken thighs dry is essential for achieving that crispy skin, so don’t skip that step! The cooking method involves searing the thighs in an oven-proof skillet, allowing them to soak up the aromatic garlic butter sauce later on.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a stress-free cooking experience:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Feel free to customize! If you’re low on fresh herbs, dried thyme and rosemary can work in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
4. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin side down, and cook until the skin turns golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes.
5. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).
7. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it come to a simmer for a moment to slightly reduce.
8. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette can also balance out the richness of the garlic butter. Don’t forget a crusty piece of bread to soak up that delicious sauce!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storing your Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is easy. Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Pro Chef Tips

• Crispy Skin: Make sure your chicken is completely dry before you begin cooking to achieve that coveted crispy skin.
• Flavor Explosion: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.
• Sauce Variations: For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce at the end.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try adding sliced mushrooms to the skillet after the garlic for an earthy twist, or swap the herbs for a Cajun seasoning mix for a spicy kick. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe takes approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will require a slightly shorter cooking time, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best method is to gently reheat your chicken in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a lower power setting until warmed through.

You’re in for a treat with this garlic butter chicken dish that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

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Juicy and flavorful chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) for a kick
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cooking

1. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin side down, and cook until the skin turns golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes.
3. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it come to a simmer for a moment to slightly reduce.
6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 30gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgSugar: 1g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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