Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe in Under 30 Minutes

Craving a simple yet flavor-packed dinner? These Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs deliver on all fronts, crispy, juicy, and coated in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s pure comfort food.

This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep. The chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or over rice to soak up every drop of that savory goodness. This easy recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American/Mediterranean

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chicken thighs are the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken that never dries out. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs stay tender and moist thanks to their higher fat content.

When combined with fragrant garlic butter, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon, you get a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
3. Season both sides of chicken thighs generously with the spice mixture
4. Let chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy
4. Flip chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

1. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside temporarily
2. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme
5. Return chicken to skillet, skin-side up

Step 4: Finish in the Oven

1. Transfer skillet to preheated oven
2. Bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

• Don’t skip the drying step: Pat chicken completely dry for the crispiest skin
• Use room temperature chicken: This ensures even cooking
• Don’t overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet to prevent steaming
• Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken
• Rest before serving: Let chicken rest to redistribute juices

Serving Suggestions

These garlic butter chicken thighs pair beautifully with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf or wild rice
• Roasted vegetables (asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots)
• Buttered noodles or pasta
• Crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispy skin.

Recipe Variations

• Herb Crusted: Add rosemary, oregano, or sage to the spice mixture
• Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and extra fresh herbs
• Mediterranean Style: Include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

This garlic butter chicken thighs recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and aromatic garlic butter sauce makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and foolproof technique. Once you master this basic method, you can experiment with different herbs, spices, and additions to make it your own. Save this recipe for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.