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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Thighs bone-in, skin-on – 4 to 6 pieces
  • Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons
  • Garlic Cloves – 5 cloves minced
  • Fresh Thyme – 2 teaspoons chopped
  • Fresh Rosemary – 1 teaspoon chopped
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon or to taste
  • Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon freshly ground
  • Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon fresh
  • Chicken Broth – ½ cup

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or frying pan (preferably oven-safe)
  • 1 Tongs for turning the chicken
  • 1 Knife and cutting board
  • 1 Measuring spoons and cups
  • 1 Garlic press or mortar and pestle (optional for garlic)
  • 1 Spoon for basting
  • 1 Oven (optional if finishing in the oven)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the skin becomes crispy when seared. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. This step ensures the chicken gets a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 5–7 minutes without moving, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Push the chicken to the side and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. The garlic should not brown too quickly, or it will taste bitter.
Step 5: Add Herbs and Lemon
  1. Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken continuously to infuse flavor.
Step 6: Deglaze the Pan
  1. Pour chicken broth into the pan and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This creates a rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 7: Finish Cooking
  1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer for 10–15 minutes, until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to finish cooking and keep the skin crispy.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 Chicken Thigh with Sauce)

  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugars: 0 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg