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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
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A simple and indulgent recipe for perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender chicken thighs cooked in garlic butter. Quick and easy, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels, especially the skin. (5 minutes)
  2. Season the chicken evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, including under the skin if possible. (2 minutes)
  3. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking. (3-4 minutes)
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Press gently with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 10-12 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook the flesh side for 5 minutes to finish cooking the meat without burning the skin. (5 minutes)
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, minced garlic, and optional fresh herbs to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and baste the chicken with the garlic butter for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to prevent garlic from burning.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, cover loosely and cook 2-3 minutes more.
  8. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness. Use olive oil with butter to raise the smoke point and prevent burning. Do not crowd the pan to avoid steaming. Add garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent bitterness. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, pan-seared chicken, comfort food, quick dinner, juicy chicken

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/crispy-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-perfectly-juicy-and-tender/