– **Title**: Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 5 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip the chicken thighs over and sprinkle with thyme and rosemary. Spoon some of the garlic butter over the top of the chicken.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide juicy meat and crispy skin. If you need a lighter option, you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts; just adjust the cooking time to not dry them out.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect here to control the sodium level. If you’re dairy-free, consider using olive oil or vegan butter as a substitute, which will still give you great flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon should suffice. I always recommend going for fresh when possible for the best flavor.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary bring great aroma and depth. If you can’t find them fresh, dried versions work just as well. Oregano can also be a good substitute if you like a different twist.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have it, chives or cilantro can also work for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
To achieve that delicious crispy skin on chicken thighs, start by drying them well with paper towels. This step removes excess moisture that can hinder crispiness.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper before cooking. The salt helps draw out moisture and enhances flavor.
- Cook them skin-side down in a hot skillet with enough space to avoid steaming. Let them cook undisturbed for the first 7-8 minutes for the best browning.
Remember to keep the heat moderate; too high can burn the skin before the meat cooks completely. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re safely cooked!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal that brings great flavor to your dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This is an important step to ensure the skin becomes crispy during cooking. Then, sprinkle salt and black pepper generously on both sides of the chicken thighs for delicious flavor.
2. Heat the Pan:
Grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Wait until the butter becomes frothy, which usually only takes a minute or two.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken thighs skin side down into the hot skillet. Allow them to cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Next, flip the thighs over and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
4. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Once the chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
5. Combine and Baste:
Next, stir in the thyme and rosemary, mixing everything together well. Return the chicken thighs back to the skillet, and spoon the garlic butter mixture over the top. Let the chicken cook together with the garlic butter for an extra 1-2 minutes to soak in those amazing flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, transfer the delicious chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle any extra garlic butter from the skillet over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright touch. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs!
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts for Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs! Just note that breasts may cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 5-6 minutes on each side. Also, consider using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I Use Another Type of Oil Instead of Butter?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, you can use olive oil or avocado oil. However, keep in mind that the rich buttery flavor will be replaced with a more neutral taste. For a buttery flavor without dairy, consider using vegan butter.
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to retain moisture, or use the microwave for a quick warm-up. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy during reheating.
What Can I Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
