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Best One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe

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Juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, all in one pan. This quick and easy weeknight dinner delivers deep, savory satisfaction with minimal fuss and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Start in a cold skillet: Place your skillet on the stove and add the olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium.
  3. Sear the chicken: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and releases easily. Flip using tongs and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. Internal temperature should reach about 160°F.
  4. Make the garlic butter sauce: Remove the chicken to a plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of rendered fat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt, swirling the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Finish the chicken: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon garlic butter sauce over the top. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken reaches 165°F-170°F. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  6. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra garlic butter spooned over the top.

Notes

Start chicken in a cold skillet for extra crispy skin. Don’t rush the sear; low and slow on the first side is key. Add garlic after removing chicken and lowering heat to prevent burning. Deglaze thoroughly to capture all flavor. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. For extra-crispy skin, after flipping, tilt pan and spoon hot butter over skin for a minute.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, cast iron chicken, garlic butter sauce

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/best-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe/