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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Flavorful Weeknight Meal

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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for extra brightness - Oven-safe skillet - Measuring spoons - Knife and cutting board - Paper towels - Meat thermometer - Tongs or spatula These ingredients and tools make this dish simple yet tasty. The garlic and butter give the chicken a rich flavor. The lemon juice adds a refreshing touch. You can also mix in optional herbs or spices to suit your taste. Using an oven-safe skillet helps in cooking the chicken evenly. A meat thermometer ensures that your chicken is safe to eat. With these items, you’ll create a delicious meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Pat each thigh dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, add smoked paprika and dried thyme. Make sure to cover all parts well. This gives your chicken flavor. Grab an oven-safe skillet and melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear the thighs for about four to five minutes. Look for crispy, golden-brown skin. Flip the chicken over gently. Add minced garlic around the chicken. Pour in the rest of the butter and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Now it’s time to roast! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Once done, take it out and let it rest for five minutes. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken thighs! To get that crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs. Pat them with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Make sure to use enough seasoning. Sear the chicken skin-side down in hot butter. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Avoid moving the thighs around. This keeps the skin intact and crispy. Flavor is key in this dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Add it to the skillet after flipping the chicken. This way, it cooks perfectly without burning. Don't rush the roasting step. Let the chicken cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C). The butter and lemon juice add richness and brightness. You can also add herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor. Always check the internal temperature of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's safe to eat. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle, keeping it moist. Remember to wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken. Keeping your kitchen safe is very important! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken thighs for better flavor and texture. Let the Chicken Rest: After roasting, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an extra layer of flavor. Save the Drippings: Don't discard the drippings in the skillet; they make a fantastic base for a sauce or gravy. {{image_2}} Grilling adds a smoky touch to garlic butter chicken thighs. Start by marinating the chicken in melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes. Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the chicken on the grill skin-side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook until it reaches 165°F. The grill gives the chicken a nice char and enhances its flavor. If you prefer baking, this method is simple and effective. After seasoning the chicken, place it in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mix over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes. This method makes the skin crispy and keeps the meat juicy. You can even add veggies to the dish for a one-pan meal. You can easily change the taste of garlic butter chicken thighs. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add great flavor. For a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning for a different twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite blend. To store leftover garlic butter chicken thighs, cool them first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep air out. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good option. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is warm. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the oven keeps the skin crispy. If you want to freeze your garlic butter chicken, do it right after cooking. Let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove all the air. Label the bag with the date and use it within three months for the best taste. To thaw, leave the chicken in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then roast for about 15-20 minutes in the oven. Check the internal temperature to ensure it's 165°F (75°C). You can tell if the chicken is cooked by checking its temperature. Use a meat thermometer and make sure it reads 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, without any pink. Cooking times may vary, so always check. Garlic butter chicken thighs taste great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Mashed potatoes - Garlic bread - Rice pilaf - Roasted vegetables - Simple green salad These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken well and make a complete meal. You now have a clear path to making delicious garlic butter chicken thighs. We covered all you need, from ingredients to cooking and storage. Remember to sear for crispy skin and explore tasty variations. With simple tips and tricks, you can make this dish a family favorite. Keep practicing, and soon, you'll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your results!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners? Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are the answer you need! This dish is packed with rich flavor and simple enough for any cook. With just a few ingredients, you can serve up juicy chicken that everyone will love. Let me show you how to create this tasty meal that will impress your family and friends, making your evenings a lot more delicious!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Garlic Butter: This recipe combines the rich taste of garlic butter with succulent chicken thighs, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.
  2. Crispy Skin: By searing the chicken skin-side down, you achieve a perfectly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
  3. Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious meal without any fuss, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
  4. Quick Cooking Time: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 6 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

– Juice of 1 lemon

Optional Ingredients

– Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano

– Red pepper flakes for heat

– Lemon zest for extra brightness

Tools and Equipment Needed

– Oven-safe skillet

– Measuring spoons

– Knife and cutting board

– Paper towels

– Meat thermometer

– Tongs or spatula

These ingredients and tools make this dish simple yet tasty. The garlic and butter give the chicken a rich flavor. The lemon juice adds a refreshing touch. You can also mix in optional herbs or spices to suit your taste. Using an oven-safe skillet helps in cooking the chicken evenly. A meat thermometer ensures that your chicken is safe to eat. With these items, you’ll create a delicious meal that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Chicken Thighs

Start with four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Pat each thigh dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, add smoked paprika and dried thyme. Make sure to cover all parts well. This gives your chicken flavor.

Searing the Chicken in Butter

Grab an oven-safe skillet and melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear the thighs for about four to five minutes. Look for crispy, golden-brown skin. Flip the chicken over gently. Add minced garlic around the chicken. Pour in the rest of the butter and squeeze lemon juice over the top.

Roasting Instructions

Now it’s time to roast! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Once done, take it out and let it rest for five minutes. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken thighs!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Skin

To get that crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs. Pat them with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Make sure to use enough seasoning. Sear the chicken skin-side down in hot butter. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Avoid moving the thighs around. This keeps the skin intact and crispy.

Cooking Tips for Optimal Flavor

Flavor is key in this dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Add it to the skillet after flipping the chicken. This way, it cooks perfectly without burning. Don’t rush the roasting step. Let the chicken cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C). The butter and lemon juice add richness and brightness. You can also add herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor.

Essential Safety Tips (Cooking Temperatures)

Always check the internal temperature of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle, keeping it moist. Remember to wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken. Keeping your kitchen safe is very important!

Pro Tips

  1. Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken thighs for better flavor and texture.
  2. Let the Chicken Rest: After roasting, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
  3. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Save the Drippings: Don’t discard the drippings in the skillet; they make a fantastic base for a sauce or gravy.

Variations

Grilled Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Grilling adds a smoky touch to garlic butter chicken thighs. Start by marinating the chicken in melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes. Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the chicken on the grill skin-side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook until it reaches 165°F. The grill gives the chicken a nice char and enhances its flavor.

Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

If you prefer baking, this method is simple and effective. After seasoning the chicken, place it in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mix over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes. This method makes the skin crispy and keeps the meat juicy. You can even add veggies to the dish for a one-pan meal.

Flavor Additions (herbs, spices)

You can easily change the taste of garlic butter chicken thighs. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add great flavor. For a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning for a different twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite blend.

Storage Info

How to Properly Store Leftovers

To store leftover garlic butter chicken thighs, cool them first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep air out. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good option.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is warm. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the oven keeps the skin crispy.

Freezing Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

If you want to freeze your garlic butter chicken, do it right after cooking. Let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove all the air. Label the bag with the date and use it within three months for the best taste. To thaw, leave the chicken in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then roast for about 15-20 minutes in the oven. Check the internal temperature to ensure it’s 165°F (75°C).

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

You can tell if the chicken is cooked by checking its temperature. Use a meat thermometer and make sure it reads 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, without any pink. Cooking times may vary, so always check.

What side dishes pair well with garlic butter chicken thighs?

Garlic butter chicken thighs taste great with many sides. Here are some ideas:

– Steamed broccoli

– Mashed potatoes

– Garlic bread

– Rice pilaf

– Roasted vegetables

– Simple green salad

These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken well and make a complete meal.

You now have a clear path to making delicious garlic butter chicken thighs. We covered all you need, from ingredients to cooking and storage. Remember to sear for crispy skin and explore tasty variations. With simple tips and tricks, you can make this dish a family favorite. Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your result

- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for extra brightness - Oven-safe skillet - Measuring spoons - Knife and cutting board - Paper towels - Meat thermometer - Tongs or spatula These ingredients and tools make this dish simple yet tasty. The garlic and butter give the chicken a rich flavor. The lemon juice adds a refreshing touch. You can also mix in optional herbs or spices to suit your taste. Using an oven-safe skillet helps in cooking the chicken evenly. A meat thermometer ensures that your chicken is safe to eat. With these items, you’ll create a delicious meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Pat each thigh dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, add smoked paprika and dried thyme. Make sure to cover all parts well. This gives your chicken flavor. Grab an oven-safe skillet and melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear the thighs for about four to five minutes. Look for crispy, golden-brown skin. Flip the chicken over gently. Add minced garlic around the chicken. Pour in the rest of the butter and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Now it’s time to roast! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Once done, take it out and let it rest for five minutes. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken thighs! To get that crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs. Pat them with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Make sure to use enough seasoning. Sear the chicken skin-side down in hot butter. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Avoid moving the thighs around. This keeps the skin intact and crispy. Flavor is key in this dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Add it to the skillet after flipping the chicken. This way, it cooks perfectly without burning. Don't rush the roasting step. Let the chicken cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C). The butter and lemon juice add richness and brightness. You can also add herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor. Always check the internal temperature of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's safe to eat. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle, keeping it moist. Remember to wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken. Keeping your kitchen safe is very important! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken thighs for better flavor and texture. Let the Chicken Rest: After roasting, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an extra layer of flavor. Save the Drippings: Don't discard the drippings in the skillet; they make a fantastic base for a sauce or gravy. {{image_2}} Grilling adds a smoky touch to garlic butter chicken thighs. Start by marinating the chicken in melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes. Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the chicken on the grill skin-side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook until it reaches 165°F. The grill gives the chicken a nice char and enhances its flavor. If you prefer baking, this method is simple and effective. After seasoning the chicken, place it in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mix over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes. This method makes the skin crispy and keeps the meat juicy. You can even add veggies to the dish for a one-pan meal. You can easily change the taste of garlic butter chicken thighs. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add great flavor. For a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning for a different twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite blend. To store leftover garlic butter chicken thighs, cool them first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep air out. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good option. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is warm. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the oven keeps the skin crispy. If you want to freeze your garlic butter chicken, do it right after cooking. Let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove all the air. Label the bag with the date and use it within three months for the best taste. To thaw, leave the chicken in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then roast for about 15-20 minutes in the oven. Check the internal temperature to ensure it's 165°F (75°C). You can tell if the chicken is cooked by checking its temperature. Use a meat thermometer and make sure it reads 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, without any pink. Cooking times may vary, so always check. Garlic butter chicken thighs taste great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Mashed potatoes - Garlic bread - Rice pilaf - Roasted vegetables - Simple green salad These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken well and make a complete meal. You now have a clear path to making delicious garlic butter chicken thighs. We covered all you need, from ingredients to cooking and storage. Remember to sear for crispy skin and explore tasty variations. With simple tips and tricks, you can make this dish a family favorite. Keep practicing, and soon, you'll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your results!

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Deliciously seared chicken thighs cooked in garlic butter, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 piece lemon, juiced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
  • In an oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
  • Once the butter has melted and is bubbly, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken thighs over, then add the minced garlic to the skillet, spreading it around the chicken.
  • Add the remaining butter and squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  • Roast the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, thighs

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