These Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy and packed with flavor! The garlic and butter bring a rich taste that makes your mouth water. Plus, they’re super easy to cook!
What I love most is how crispy the skin gets while the inside stays tender. Serve with some veggies or rice, and you’ve got a wonderful meal. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are best for tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner cut, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts can work, but they may not be as juicy.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt in the dish. If you’re out of butter, try using olive oil or a mix of olive oil and butter for a healthier twist. Ghee is another great option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a delicious kick, but you could use garlic powder in a pinch. If you’re using minced garlic from a jar, one teaspoon is about equal to one clove.
Thyme: Dried thyme is convenient, but fresh thyme can elevate the flavor even further. If you can’t find thyme, try substituting with Italian seasoning or rosemary for a different twist.
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Achieving perfectly crispy chicken skin is all about technique and temperature. First, make sure the chicken is dry; moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Patting the skin with paper towels helps a lot.
- Use a hot skillet to start cooking the chicken skin-side down. This helps render the fat and develop a golden brown crust.
- Don’t rush to flip the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 7-8 minutes.
- Keep the heat at medium-high, adjusting if needed to prevent burning. Once flipped, add garlic and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
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 fresh, if available)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes getting everything ready, and then the cooking will take around 20 minutes. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken Thighs:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy! Then, season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Make sure to coat them well so each bite is flavorful.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and bubbly, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Let them cook for about 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step is key for delicious flavor!
3. Flip and Add Garlic:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over. Add the minced garlic to the skillet at this point, spreading it around the chicken. Cook for another 5-6 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Finish with Garlic Butter:
Now, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt and mix with the garlic and tasty pan drippings. This is where all the flavors come together!
5. Toss and Garnish:
Stir in the dried thyme, then gently toss the chicken thighs in the garlic butter sauce to coat them well. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley to make it look extra special!
6. Serve:
Dish out the chicken thighs and serve them warm. Don’t forget to include lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken adds a lovely bright flavor!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for bone-in ones. Just reduce the cooking time slightly; cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will help prevent them from drying out.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch! Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of each clove of fresh garlic. Just add it along with the paprika at the beginning, as it won’t need as long to cook.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Meal Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
