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Best One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Easy Dinner in 30 Minutes

one-pan garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image

This one-pan garlic butter chicken thighs recipe is the closest I’ve gotten to recreating a cherished memory. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough to serve when you’re trying to make someone feel special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until deep golden brown.
  5. Flip each thigh over and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F at the thickest part.
  6. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  7. Add the 6 minced garlic cloves to the pan and stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  8. Pour in ¼ cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  9. Cut the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter into small pieces and add to the pan. Stir until melted and smooth. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and stir to combine.
  10. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over each thigh. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the sear; patience is key for crispy skin. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the chicken rest after searing to redistribute juices. For a crowd, double the recipe using a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner