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To make garlic butter chicken thighs, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here is the list: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients balance well together. The chicken thighs bring a juicy texture, while the garlic and butter add rich flavor. The fresh thyme and lemon give a zesty touch that brightens the dish. When choosing your chicken thighs, look for ones with good fat. The skin helps keep the meat moist and adds crispiness when cooked. Fresh herbs always enhance the taste, so opt for fresh thyme if possible. The garlic adds an aromatic punch. You'll want to chop it finely to release all its flavor. Lemon juice and zest provide acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter. Salt and pepper are key. They enhance all the flavors in this meal. Olive oil helps with cooking, preventing sticking in the skillet. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh finish. With these ingredients, you’re set for a delicious dinner. Prepare them well, and you’ll impress everyone at your table! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. I season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Salting is key. It brings out the chicken’s natural flavor. The spices add depth, making each bite tasty. Next, I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add olive oil and let it get hot. Once hot, I place the chicken thighs skin-side down. I cook them for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. After that, I carefully flip the chicken. I cook it for about 5 minutes more. Then, I lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Now comes the fun part! I stir in the minced garlic and thyme. I let them cook for about 1-2 minutes. This step releases their wonderful aroma. I spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken. Then, I drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest on top. This adds a zesty kick that brightens the dish. To make sure the chicken is cooked, I check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). This is safe and ensures juicy meat. Once done, I remove the chicken from the skillet. I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps keep the juices in. Before serving, I drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken. To get that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by patting them dry. Use paper towels to remove any moisture. This step makes a big difference. Next, season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The salt helps draw out moisture and enhances flavor. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Place the thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes. This ensures a nice golden color. Flip them and continue cooking for another 5 minutes before adding butter. Using fresh herbs can really boost the taste of your dish. Fresh thyme adds a bright note. If you only have dried thyme, that works too. Just use less, about half the amount. Butter is key in this recipe. It gives richness and helps the garlic cook just right. The garlic and thyme create a wonderful aroma as they cook together. This adds layers of flavor to your chicken. If you need to adjust for a low-sodium diet, cut back on added salt. You can still use smoked paprika for flavor. For butter alternatives, try using olive oil or coconut oil. These options keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Always remember to check for any dietary needs of your guests. Making small swaps can ensure everyone enjoys the meal. Pro Tips Patience is Key: Allow the chicken thighs to cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to achieve a perfect crispy skin. Don’t Rush the Resting: Let the chicken rest after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite. Customize the Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs like rosemary or oregano for an added flavor dimension. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding herbs or spices. Try fresh rosemary or oregano for a new taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also swap lemon for lime or orange juice. Each citrus brings a fresh twist to the garlic butter. You don’t have to stick with just one way to cook chicken thighs. You can bake them in the oven for a hands-off approach. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 30-35 minutes. A grill gives great flavor too! Cook the thighs over medium heat for 25-30 minutes. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6 hours. Just adjust the cooking times as needed to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Pair your garlic butter chicken with great sides. Roasted veggies like carrots and broccoli work well. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. You can also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. These starches soak up the garlic butter sauce nicely. This creates a complete and balanced meal that everyone will love. To keep your Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs fresh, store them properly in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Your dish will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it in. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a good option. Follow these steps to freeze your chicken thighs: 1. Cool Completely: Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. 2. Wrap Well: Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. 3. Label: Write the date on the bag. This helps you keep track of freshness. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place the thighs in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Cook until heated through and enjoy! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in ones. Cut the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It must reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear without any pink. Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead. Cook the chicken and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. You can use olive oil as a substitute for butter. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter. Each will add its own flavor, so choose what fits your dish best. This blog post covers everything you need to know about cooking chicken thighs. We discussed important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best flavor. You can achieve crispy skin, explore variations, and understand how to store leftovers properly. My final thought is simple: mastering this dish makes any meal special. Enjoy the cooking journey and share your success with others!

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with a Zesty Twist

Delicious chicken thighs cooked in garlic butter with a zesty lemon twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • for garnish chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up well. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Allow the garlic to sauté slightly, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
  • Spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken, allowing it to infuse the flavors. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest.
  • Continue cooking the chicken for another 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the garlic butter, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword butter, chicken, easy, garlic, lemon