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Crispy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

crispy one-pan garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared in a skillet and finished in the oven with garlic butter for crispy skin and juicy meat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced or crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
  • Optional: Pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Place a large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  5. Once the oil shimmers, place chicken thighs in the pan skin-side down. Press gently to ensure contact.
  6. Sear undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs. Reduce heat to medium.
  8. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the foaming butter over the chicken repeatedly to baste.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or transfer chicken to a baking dish if the pan is not oven-safe).
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  12. Spoon remaining pan sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Ensure chicken skin is completely dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it during the basting step. For leftovers, reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, one-pan dinner, crispy chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, keto friendly, gluten-free

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