Print

Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute recipe delivering crispy skin and juicy, tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners with simple ingredients and impressive flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 45 grams)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or smashed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir well and set aside. (5 minutes)
  3. Place a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Press down gently with tongs so the skin makes full contact with the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 7-9 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. (7-9 minutes)
  5. Flip the chicken thighs over. Immediately add the garlic butter mixture to the pan. Spoon the melting butter over the chicken repeatedly (basting) to infuse flavor and keep the meat moist. Cook for another 7-8 minutes on medium-low heat, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). (7-8 minutes)
  6. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Pour any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the chicken before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking for extra crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispness. Baste chicken with garlic butter during cooking to lock in moisture and flavor. If garlic burns, reduce heat immediately. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil, but flavor will differ. Can finish cooking in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes after searing if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, quick chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, garlic butter sauce, crispy skin chicken