Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seared in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken and savory garlic butter creates a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs offer the perfect balance of crisp, golden skin and moist, flavorful meat. The garlic-infused butter enhances every bite, making this a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish. It pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it versatile for any meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bone-in, skin-on chicken thighssaltblack pepperpaprikaolive oilunsalted buttergarlic cloves (minced)chicken broth (or water)fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
directions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, then transfer the thighs to a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over them.
Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
Use boneless, skinless thighs for a lighter version.
Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the sauce for a tangy finish.
Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Use ghee instead of butter for a nutty aroma and dairy-free alternative.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat until warmed through or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes, you can sear the chicken first and then finish it in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
Do I have to use skin-on thighs?
Skin-on thighs give the best flavor and texture, but you can use skinless if preferred.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time, as breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with garlic butter chicken thighs.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce.
Can I cook this in the oven only?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, basting with garlic butter halfway through.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, cook and refrigerate the chicken, then reheat gently in the garlic butter sauce before serving.
Do I need to cover the skillet while simmering?
Covering helps the chicken cook through evenly and stay moist.
Can I use herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning?
Absolutely—these blends add a delicious herbal note to the butter sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are an easy yet impressive dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. The crispy skin, tender meat, and rich garlic butter sauce make this a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy date night, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to meal.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy and flavorful garlic butter chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. A simple yet delicious one-pan meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the garlic butter over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use boneless thighs if preferred; reduce cooking time slightly.
- Great served with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic for best flavor.