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Crispy Garlic Brown Butter Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic brown butter chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy, tender chicken thighs with a crispy, nutty brown butter garlic crust that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60 g)
  • 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1 g)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken thighs skin-side down carefully, pressing slightly for even contact. (2-3 minutes)
  3. Cook skin-side until deep golden and crisp, about 7-10 minutes. Avoid moving the chicken to develop a rich crust. (10 minutes)
  4. Flip chicken thighs over, reduce heat to medium, and cook the other side for 5 minutes until juices start to release. (5 minutes)
  5. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate tented loosely with foil to keep warm. (2 minutes)
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. Stir constantly as it melts and foams until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes. (4 minutes)
  7. Add minced garlic and herbs to the brown butter. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly toasted but not burnt. (2 minutes)
  8. Return chicken thighs to skillet, skin side up. Spoon some brown butter garlic sauce over the tops. Let cook in the sauce for 3-5 minutes to absorb flavor and finish cooking. (4 minutes)
  9. Optional: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a bright finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (1 minute)

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crisp skin. Do not rush searing; let the skin develop a deep golden crust. Stir butter constantly when browning to avoid burning. Add garlic after butter has browned to prevent burning. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Oven finish option: after searing, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes for thicker thighs.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, crispy chicken, brown butter, garlic chicken, easy dinner, pan-seared chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/crispy-garlic-brown-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-juicy-dinner/