Print

Crispy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs (Easy 30-Min Recipe)

crispy garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

Crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs with a rich garlic butter sauce, all made in one pan in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat your pan: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sear the chicken, skin-side down: Place chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down, in a single layer. Press down gently with a spatula for 10 seconds. Cook undisturbed for 6 to 8 minutes until deep golden brown and releases easily.
  4. Flip and finish cooking: Flip each thigh using tongs. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 175°F to 185°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. Make the garlic butter sauce: Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of rendered fat from the pan. Return pan to medium-low heat, add butter. Once melted, add sliced garlic and thyme sprigs. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic is fragrant and just softening (do not let it brown).
  6. Return the chicken to the pan: Place chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon garlic butter sauce over each thigh. Let warm through together for about 1 minute.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Spoon remaining garlic butter and garlic slices over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin obsessively for maximum crispiness. Use medium-high heat, not high, to avoid burning the butter. Slice garlic thinly, not minced, to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest after searing for juicier meat. Baste continuously when returning chicken to the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken, 30-minute dinner, bone-in chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://morselora.com/crispy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-easy-30-min-recipe/