Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! With tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Honestly, who can resist that buttery aroma? I love serving these with some rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Get ready for a meal that feels fancy, but is a breeze to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs provide juicy meat and rich flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use chicken breasts, but they won’t be quite as flavorful or moist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for controlling the salt level in this dish. Feel free to substitute with olive oil or ghee if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, although this will slightly change the taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor. If you’re out, you can use garlic powder as a substitute, but use less (about ¼ teaspoon for each clove) to avoid overpowering the dish.
Thyme: Dried thyme is great if you don’t have fresh, but fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma. You can also swap with rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Paprika: Regular paprika works well, but smoked paprika can add a nice smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
How Do I Get the Skin Crispy and Golden Brown?
Achieving crispy, golden skin is all about proper searing. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough and the chicken thighs are dry.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Heat the skillet on medium-high until hot, then melt the butter.
- Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet, pressing gently to ensure even contact.
- Let it cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes, allowing it to get crispy before flipping.
Monitoring the heat is key; if the oil starts to smoke, lower the heat slightly. After flipping, the skin should stay crispy while the chicken cooks through.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking. So, you’ll have dinner ready in about 35 minutes! Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely when cooking. Once dry, season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. The seasoning will give the chicken great flavor!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, add the unsalted butter and melt it over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Be sure to sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant and you can smell that lovely garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear them for about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the skin to turn a beautiful golden brown and get nice and crispy! Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn.
4. Cook through:
Once the skin is nice and crispy, flip the chicken thighs over using tongs. Sprinkle the thyme into the skillet and continue to cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures they’re fully cooked and safe to eat!
5. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken thighs out of the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken tender and juicy!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the chicken thighs with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty touch. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just adjust the cooking time as they will cook faster—about 4-5 minutes per side should be sufficient. Make sure to check that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of garlic. So, for this recipe, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just add it to the skillet after the butter has melted to avoid burning the powder.
How Can I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, and warm until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or even sliced bell peppers. Just toss them in the skillet after flipping the chicken, and they can cook alongside it, absorbing all the delicious flavors!
