Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, flavorful bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked first on the stovetop for a crispy golden skin, then finished in the oven with a rich garlic butter sauce. Infused with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and paprika, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual dinner with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish and Serving

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs after searing.
Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary to enhance flavor.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to low in the same skillet. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine and Spoon Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over the tops of the chicken to infuse flavor during baking.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh accompaniment. Use the remaining garlic butter sauce for added flavor.

Notes

Ensure chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning to achieve crispy skin.
Use an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) to seamlessly transfer from stovetop to oven.
Adjust garlic quantity as preferred for milder or stronger garlic flavor.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid under- or over-cooking.
Lemon wedges add a bright acidity that balances the richness of the garlic butter.