Print

Cozy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Best Easy Dinner

cozy one-pan garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs with crackly golden skin, swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce. This one-pan recipe delivers comfort food perfection in about 35 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred; use ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (Kerrygold recommended)
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced (fresh, not jarred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Position the rack in the middle.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Let them sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to air-dry slightly.
  3. Mix the dry rub in a small bowl: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub in gently.
  4. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Swirl until the butter melts and starts to foam.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and releases easily.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  7. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release browned bits. Add the lemon juice, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  9. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the tops without submerging the skin.
  10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching bone) reads 165°F (or 170°F for dark meat).
  11. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

Patience with the sear is key—don’t move the chicken too soon. Garlic burns quickly, so have broth ready before adding garlic to the pan. Don’t skip the resting time. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness. For extra flavor, baste the chicken with sauce halfway through baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs recipe

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/cozy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-best-easy-dinner/