Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a deliciously rich and savory dish, perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe features tender chicken thighs, seared to golden-brown perfection, then bathed in a fragrant sauce made with garlic, butter, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley. The butter infuses the chicken with a velvety richness, while the garlic adds a robust flavor that elevates the dish. It’s a quick, one-pan recipe that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a warm crusty bread. Simple yet indulgent, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Making Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is a simple and flavorful process that results in a rich, savory dish. Start by seasoning chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or herbs. Sear them in a hot skillet with oil until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the thighs and set them aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Optionally, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic boost. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them to infuse them with flavor.
Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs hot, paired with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete and comforting meal. This dish is quick, versatile, and sure to please! Would you like a detailed recipe or ideas for variations?
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Course: main dish, chicken4
servings20
minutes30
minutes400
kcalGarlic Butter Chicken Thighs are tender, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, making for a simple yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 6–7 min until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 5 more min. Remove and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 min.
- Cook Everything Together:
Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken. Lower heat and cook for 10–12 min until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
- Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Here are some helpful notes for making Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs:
Key Ingredients: Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless), garlic, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary.
Preparation Tips:
Use room-temperature chicken thighs for even cooking.
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or onion powder for added flavor.
Cooking Steps:
Start by searing the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat to create a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan for the best results.
Remove the chicken once browned, then melt butter in the same skillet to build the sauce.
Sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant, adding herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic touch.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the thighs to infuse them with flavor.
Consistency Tips:
Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, white wine, or lemon juice for a lighter, slightly tangy sauce.
Adjust the butter quantity for your preferred richness level.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crusty bread for a hearty meal.
For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a small amount of butter to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Let me know if you’d like step-by-step instructions or suggestions for variations! 🧄🧈🍗
