Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
A quick and easy 15-minute recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs cooked in garlic butter, perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 g)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. (About 5 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Flip the chicken thighs over to the meat side. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, letting the butter melt and garlic become fragrant but not burnt. (1 minute)
- Baste the chicken by spooning the garlic butter over the thighs as they finish cooking. Cook another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning the butter and garlic. If garlic browns too fast, reduce heat. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. For thicker thighs, finish in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Boneless thighs can be used but cook for 8-10 minutes total. Substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil for dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22
- Protein: 25
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, crispy chicken thighs, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, garlic chicken, buttery chicken