– **Title**: Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
4. Push the garlic to the side of the skillet and place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
5. Flip the chicken thighs and pour the lemon juice over them. Spoon some of the garlic butter over the top.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
7. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
8. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or rice, drizzling extra garlic butter from the skillet over the chicken for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor and moisture. If you prefer, skinless thighs work too, though they may be less juicy. You can also use chicken breasts, but they might require less cooking time.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here for better control of saltiness. If you’re out of butter, olive oil or coconut oil can be a simple swap, though they will change the taste slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, as it brings a stronger flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove called for.
Thyme: Dried thyme works perfectly, but fresh thyme adds a more vibrant flavor. If you don’t have thyme, you can substitute with rosemary or oregano for a different herb profile.
How Do I Get Crispy Skinned Chicken Thighs?
Getting that perfect crispy skin is key to this recipe. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Moisture on the skin can prevent it from getting crispy.
- Use medium-high heat when cooking in the skillet. This helps render the fat in the skin.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for the first 5-7 minutes. Resist the urge to flip it too soon!
- Once crispy, flip the chicken to cook the other side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For extra flavor, after cooking, pour the garlic butter over the chicken for an added richness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In a little over half an hour, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps get that crispy skin! Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika, making sure to coat them evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until it’s bubbling. Once it’s sizzling, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs, placing them skin-side down in the skillet. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. When it’s melted, add the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn!
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them so they’re nicely coated. Cook for an additional minute or two to heat everything through. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if you like. Enjoy your tasty garlic butter chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Just note that boneless thighs will cook faster, so check the internal temperature after about 5-6 minutes on each side. Adjust cooking time as necessary until they reach 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem at all! You can substitute each clove with about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just remember to add it along with the thyme to avoid burning it.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy or in the microwave, covered, to steam it gently.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After searing the chicken thighs on the stovetop, transfer them to a baking dish, pour the garlic butter over them, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they reach the desired internal temperature.
