Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! Cooked in rich garlic butter, they make for a tasty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic and butter? It’s instantly comforting. I love serving these thighs with rice to soak up all that delicious buttery goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs are perfect for this dish because they stay juicy and flavorful. However, you can use boneless skinless thighs for less fat and quicker cooking time.
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor and helps achieve a crispy skin. If you don’t have olive oil, canola or vegetable oil works, but you might miss some of the rich taste.
Butter: Unsalted is preferred to control the salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. It won’t taste the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Garlic: Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute; use ½ teaspoon for every clove.
Herbs: I love using fresh thyme and rosemary, as they add a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones are perfectly fine—just use less, about a third of the amount needed for fresh.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Skin on Chicken Thighs?
Getting crispy skin on chicken thighs is all about the searing process. When done right, it locks in moisture and creates a lovely outer layer. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Always start with a preheated skillet on medium-high heat; this helps the skin crisp up quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re cooking more thighs, sear them in batches to maintain high heat.
- Cook skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Resist the urge to move them too much during this time!
- Once flipped, you’ll still want to sear for just a few minutes before adding your butter and garlic.
Remember, the more patience you have while searing, the crispier the skin will be!
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 25-30 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for the chicken when it’s time to bake. This helps cook the chicken evenly and gives it a nice crispy skin!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the oven warms up, take your chicken thighs and sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides. This adds great flavor to the chicken!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and let them cook for another 3-5 minutes on the other side. This step seals in the juices and flavor!
4. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt, then sprinkle in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together and use a spoon to drizzle the melted butter and garlic over the top of the chicken thighs. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Always check to make sure it’s cooked through!
6. Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top of the chicken before serving. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with your favorite sides!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the baking time slightly, as boneless thighs typically cook faster. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, checking that they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil. Each will provide a nice flavor base for the chicken, so feel free to choose your preferred option!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the chicken’s moisture, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts to the skillet before transferring it to the oven. Just ensure they are cut into even pieces for consistent cooking. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor!
