Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is the ultimate comfort food recipe—juicy, golden-crisp chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with herbs. The chicken is seared until the skin is crispy and flavorful, then simmered in melted butter infused with garlic, making every bite tender and savory.
This dish is perfect when you want something easy, flavorful, and restaurant-quality at home. The rich garlic butter sauce can be spooned over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile main course for any occasion.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s foolproof and packed with flavor. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, while the garlic butter adds a luxurious richness. The aroma while cooking is irresistible—it fills the kitchen with a warm, savory scent that instantly makes you hungry.
It’s also a one-pan wonder—you sear the chicken, make the sauce, and finish everything in the same skillet. That means less cleanup and more flavor since the chicken drippings enrich the sauce. For me, it’s the perfect blend of comfort, simplicity, and deliciousness.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Juicy and flavorful chicken every time (thanks to thighs).
- A rich, buttery garlic sauce that elevates the dish.
- Quick and easy—ready in under an hour.
- Pairs beautifully with almost any side dish.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or family meals.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings & Nutrition
- Servings: 4 portions
- Calories: ~420 calories per serving
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American / European
- Course: Main Course, Dinner
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 2 tsp fresh)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear chicken until golden brown and crisp.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic with herbs.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon with garlic butter, and bake until cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon, then serve.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip and sear the other side for 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add remaining butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Scrape browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon some garlic butter over them.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Spoon garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or pasta.
- Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus.
- A crusty loaf of bread works perfectly to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Always pat chicken dry before searing for crispy skin.
- Use bone-in thighs for maximum juiciness, but boneless thighs also work.
- Don’t rush searing—the golden crust adds deep flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the garlic butter for extra depth.
Variations
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken – Stir in ½ cup heavy cream after garlic for a creamy sauce.
- Spicy Version – Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Herb Upgrade – Try sage, tarragon, or dill for different flavors.
- Boneless Option – Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts for a quicker bake time.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing (Cooked): Freeze cooled chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron)
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Meat thermometer (for checking doneness)
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. With crispy golden skin, juicy meat, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that feels special yet works perfectly for busy weeknights.
