These garlic butter chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! The garlic and butter work together to create a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with rice or veggies.
Whenever I make these, my kitchen smells amazing! I love how quickly they cook—just sear them in a pan, and you’re ready to eat in no time. Who doesn’t love a simple dinner that tastes incredible?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are best for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work too, but they may cook faster, so adjust the time accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong, delicious flavor. If you only have garlic powder, you can use that, but the taste is not as vibrant. Aim for 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove if substituting.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for this dish, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or vegan butter. Both will work well with the garlic!
Herbs: Dried thyme is nice here, but you can swap it for oregano or rosemary if you prefer. Fresh versions of these herbs can also be used; just increase the amount since fresh herbs are milder.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin on chicken thighs is all about the searing technique. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. Medium heat works well!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece space to cook evenly.
- Once you place the chicken skin-side down, let it sear without moving it for about 5-7 minutes. Flip when it’s golden brown.
- Basting with the garlic butter after flipping helps to lock in moisture while developing that crispy texture.
After baking, letting it rest for a few minutes lets the juices redistribute, keeping it flavorful and juicy!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple dish that delivers big flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn your oven on to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat while you prepare the chicken. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and get that nice roasted flavor.
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, pat the chicken thighs dry with some paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy! Then sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme on both sides of the chicken. Make sure to rub the spices in a bit for great flavor.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet that can go in the oven (an oven-safe skillet), melt the butter over medium heat. Once you see it bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it’s fragrant. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
4. Sear the Chicken:
Now, carefully place the chicken thighs into the skillet, skin-side down. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. This is where the magic happens!
5. Flip and Baste:
After searing, flip the chicken thighs over so the skin side is facing up. Use a spoon to scoop some of that delicious garlic butter and drizzle it over the tops of the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). That’s when you know it’s perfectly cooked!
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, carefully take the skillet out of the oven (it’s hot!). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to stay juicy. Then, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.
8. Serve:
Serve your flavorful garlic butter chicken thighs with lemon wedges on the side if you like a bit of tang. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin may not get as crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic. Just sprinkle it over the chicken thighs along with the other seasonings before searing.
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals. Just make sure to cover them to retain moisture!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add some chopped vegetables like green beans, carrots, or potatoes to the skillet before baking. Just toss them in the garlic butter for extra flavor and make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
