Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender pieces of chicken cooked in rich garlic butter. They’re super flavorful and perfect for any night of the week!
You can’t go wrong with this dish; it fills your kitchen with a yummy smell that makes everyone rush to the table. I love serving it with rice to soak up all that delicious butter!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless breasts can work, but be careful not to dry them out.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the dish. For a healthier option, substitute with olive oil. It will still give a great flavor, but with less saturated fat.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an incredible aroma and taste. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. I always prefer using fresh whenever possible!
Herbs and Spices: Thyme and paprika are excellent choices here. If you don’t have thyme, try dried oregano or rosemary. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth; sweet paprika can work too if you need a milder flavor.
Fresh Parsley: This is added for garnish. You could swap it for fresh basil or even cilantro for a different twist.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Skin on Chicken Thighs?
Getting that crispy skin is key! Start by making sure the chicken thighs are completely dry. Pat them with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve that golden brown crispiness.
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding the chicken. A hot skillet helps sear the skin quickly.
- Don’t crowd the pan! If it’s too crowded, steaming will happen instead of searing.
- Cook skin-side down for the first part, and don’t move them too much! Let them sear for the full 5-7 minutes for the best results.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook, including roasting in the oven. Just a little patience, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting your chicken thighs.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Use paper towels to pat your chicken thighs dry. This helps the skin get nice and crispy! Season both sides of the thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated for the best flavor.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Sear the Chicken:
Now, turn up the heat to medium-high. Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet, skin side down. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step is key for rich flavor!
5. Flip and Spoon:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over, and use a spoon to drizzle some of the delicious garlic butter from the skillet over the top of the chicken. This adds even more flavor!
6. Roast in the Oven:
Now it’s time to move the skillet to the preheated oven! Roast the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
7. Let it Rest:
Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to keep it juicy and tender. This little wait makes a big difference!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for that extra pop of color and flavor. Serve your delicious garlic butter chicken thighs and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the cooking time in the oven to about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Boneless thighs cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder, using about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove. Just sprinkle it over the chicken when seasoning. If you have garlic salt, remember to adjust the amount of regular salt you add to avoid it being too salty!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and season the chicken thighs in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain its juicy texture!
