– **Title**: Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 6-8 cloves)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
5. Carefully flip the chicken thighs over, then drizzle the lemon juice over them.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle some of the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keep the meat juicy and add flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use skinless, boneless thighs, but cooking time may need adjusting.
Butter: For a richer taste, I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness. You could also substitute with olive oil, but the butter gives a nice richness that’s hard to beat.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. Pre-minced garlic works if you’re in a hurry, but nothing beats the freshness and aroma of freshly minced cloves.
Spices: Paprika enhances the color and flavor. You can use smoked paprika for a different depth of flavor. Dried thyme can be swapped for Italian seasoning if you want more herbs mixed in.
Fresh Parsley: This is not just for garnish; it adds a fresh touch. If you don’t have parsley, fresh basil or cilantro can offer a different yet delightful twist.
How Do I Get Golden, Crispy Chicken Skin?
To achieve that perfectly crispy skin, it’s important to sear the chicken thighs correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by drying the chicken thighs well. Moisture can hinder browning.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding butter. You want it hot enough to sear, but not so hot that the butter burns.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and don’t move it for the first few minutes. Allow it to develop that deep golden color.
- Once flipped, remember to use a thermometer for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Letting the chicken rest after baking allows juices to settle, making each bite succulent!
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. In just around 40 minutes, you will have a delicious chicken dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with some paper towels. This is important for getting the skin crispy! Then, season both sides of the thighs generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Make sure they are well-coated with these tasty seasonings!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked. You want it fragrant and lightly golden!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step is important for that delicious texture!
5. Bake the Chicken:
After the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over so they’re skin-side up. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken will be juicy and flavorful!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven (be careful, it will be hot!). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices settle. Spoon some of the garlic butter from the skillet over the chicken for extra flavor.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a nice touch of color. Serve hot and enjoy the rich garlic butter flavor of your delicious chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but reduce the cooking time. Sear them skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes, flip, and then bake for 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make this garlic butter chicken dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or coconut oil. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious dish!
What Should I Do With Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep them moist, or microwave them in short intervals, covered, until warmed through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or baby potatoes to the skillet after searing the chicken. Toss them in some olive oil and seasonings, then roast them in the oven along with the chicken for a complete meal.
