These Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich mix of garlic and butter, making every bite full of flavor. So simple, yet so good!
You’ll love how quick this meal comes together, perfect for a busy weeknight. I pair it with rice or veggies, and my family always wants seconds. Who can resist that buttery goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, boneless skinless thighs can be used, but they’ll cook faster, so adjust the timing accordingly.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for better control of flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, try olive oil or vegan butter; just note that the flavor will slightly differ.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that rich flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really gives the best result. One clove of garlic powder is about 1/8 teaspoon.
Herbs: Dried thyme and oregano add wonderful flavor. Feel free to swap with fresh herbs if you have them; you’ll need about three times as much fresh as dried.
Paprika: This provides not just color but also depth. Smoked paprika can be a tasty alternative for an extra smoky flavor. For a bit more heat, consider a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How Do I Get My Chicken Thighs Crispy and Perfectly Cooked?
Searing the chicken thighs is crucial for achieving a crispy skin. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start by drying the chicken well with paper towels; moisture prevents crisping.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding butter to ensure it’s hot enough.
- Once the chicken is in, don’t flip it too soon; wait until the skin is golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
After flipping, adding garlic enhances the dish, but watch it closely. Garlic can burn easily, turning bitter—30 seconds should do the trick!
Finally, roasting it in the oven ensures even cooking. Aim for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before serving to keep the juices in!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take around 10 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend about 40 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy your tasty garlic butter chicken thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, take a few paper towels and pat the chicken thighs dry. This helps make the skin crispy when cooking. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano generously on both sides of the chicken for extra flavor.
2. Searing the Chicken:
Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet and melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is nice and bubbly, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Once that’s done, flip the chicken thighs over so the skin side is facing up.
3. Adding Garlic and Roasting:
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle the minced garlic around the chicken in the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it smells wonderful—be careful not to let it burn! After that, move the whole skillet into your preheated oven and roast it for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Resting and Serving:
When your chicken is fully cooked, carefully take the skillet out of the oven (it will be hot!). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juiciness. Finally, garnish the chicken thighs with freshly chopped parsley before diving in. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs, but they will cook faster, so reduce the roasting time to about 15-20 minutes. Just ensure they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. Just keep in mind that olive oil has a different flavor, but it will still work well in this recipe!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic butter chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider sprinkling in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a bit of hot sauce when seasoning the chicken thighs. Adjust according to your heat preference for the perfect kick!
