Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are super juicy and flavorful! Picture tender chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce that makes your taste buds dance. Yum!
Honestly, I love how easy it is to whip this up. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and the smell of garlic will surely make your kitchen feel like home! 🧄✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for better control over the saltiness. However, you can substitute with ghee or a dairy-free butter if you want a different flavor or need a lactose-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Fresh is always more vibrant!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add fantastic aroma. If you don’t have these, dried oregano or Italian seasoning can work well too. Fresh herbs can be used but adjust the amounts since they are more potent when dried.
Lemon Juice: It adds a nice brightness to the dish. If you don’t have a lemon, vinegar (like white wine or apple cider) can be used, but it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Get Crispy Skin on Chicken Thighs?
For crispy chicken skin, start by drying the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the skin to crisp up nicely during cooking. After seasoning, there’s an important step while searing:
- Heat your skillet and make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken. This helps to render out the fat quickly.
- Cook skin-side down without moving them for those 5-7 minutes, allowing a nice golden crust to form.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this can trap steam and prevent crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
Following these tips will ensure you have delicious, crispy chicken thighs to enjoy!
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when the chicken is ready to go in!
2. Prep the Chicken:
Next, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to make sure they’re full of flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Then, carefully flip the chicken over to sear the other side.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. As it melts, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté everything for about 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing!
5. Add Lemon Juice:
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken thighs and spoon some of that lovely garlic butter sauce over the top to keep everything moist and flavorful.
6. Roast in the Oven:
Now it’s time to transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve your garlic butter chicken thighs with the sauce spooned over them, alongside your choice of delicious sides. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the cooking time. Boneless thighs typically take about 15-20 minutes in the oven instead of 20-25 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of the fresh herbs. The flavor will still be delicious; just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you don’t need as much!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or broth to keep it moist, and cover with a lid until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like baby potatoes, green beans, or bell peppers. Toss them in the skillet with the garlic butter before transferring to the oven. Just be mindful of their cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
