Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs (Juicy & Flavorful!)
These Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors. Fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice elevate the dish, making it a simple yet delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs Bone-in, skin-on is best for this recipe: This ensures you get juicy, tender meat with crispy skin.
- Unsalted Butter: The base of the garlic butter sauce. You can use salted butter but be mindful of how much additional salt you add.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor for this recipe but you can use pre-minced garlic if you’re in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken thighs before adding the butter.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme work wonderfully here but dried herbs can also be used.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the chicken perfectly.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright zesty flavor to the rich butter sauce.
- Parmesan optional: For a little extra flavor boost and depth to the sauce, grated parmesan cheese is a great addition.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Drying the skin will ensure it gets crispy when seared. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. If you want to add a bit more flavor, sprinkle on some garlic powder or paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook the chicken thighs for about 7-8 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to get golden brown and crispy. Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the meat is cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh—it should read 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- While the chicken thighs are cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In the same pan (with all the flavorful chicken drippings), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the fresh herbs and lemon juice, then stir to combine. The sauce should start to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce
- Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the garlic butter sauce over the thighs. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle some on top of the chicken and allow it to melt into the sauce. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken with a silky, savory garlic butter sauce that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. For a final touch, garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice. The rich, garlicky sauce pairs wonderfully with almost anything!
Notes
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: The skin adds flavor, and the bone helps keep the meat juicy. While boneless thighs can work in a pinch, they won’t be as flavorful.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After you cook the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Customize Your Garlic Butter: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil for a unique twist. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dishes.
Serve with a Side of Veggies: Garlic butter chicken thighs are rich and flavorful, so serving them with a light salad or roasted vegetables balances the dish perfectly.