Print

Easy One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

Crispy-skinned, tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, all made in one pan in under 30 minutes. A simple, foolproof weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4–6 thighs)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, smashed or thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • ½ lemon, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): Take chicken thighs out of fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking. Pat extremely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the Pan (2 minutes): Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Heat until shimmering and just about to smoke.
  3. Sear the Chicken (10-12 minutes): Place chicken thighs skin-side down in hot skillet. Do not crowd the pan. Sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes on second side.
  4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce (3-4 minutes): Reduce heat to medium-low. Push chicken to one side. Add 4 tablespoons butter to empty space. Once melted, add garlic and herb sprigs (if using). Sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Baste the Chicken (2-3 minutes): Tilt pan slightly and continuously spoon hot garlic butter over chicken thighs for about 2 minutes.
  6. Check for Doneness (1 minute): Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of a thigh (avoid bone). Internal temperature should be 175-185°F (80-85°C).
  7. Finish and Rest (5 minutes): Remove pan from heat. Squeeze juice of half a lemon over chicken. Let rest in pan for 5 minutes.
  8. Serve: Transfer chicken to serving platter. Spoon remaining garlic butter sauce over top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken extremely dry for crispy skin. Reduce heat before adding garlic to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Double the butter and garlic for extra sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken thighs, one pan chicken, quick chicken dinner, crispy chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs/