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Cozy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring crispy-skinned chicken thighs bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients, this cozy dish is perfect for busy nights when you need comfort food fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate while you prep.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet (10-12 inches) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl to coat the pan.
  4. Place the chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and releases easily from the pan.
  5. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the other side is browned and the chicken is almost cooked through.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Push chicken to one side of the pan. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Let butter melt and foam, then tilt the pan and baste the chicken with the garlic butter for about 30 seconds.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce bubble for about 30 seconds to reduce slightly.
  8. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  9. Remove pan from heat. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and pour the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Discard thyme sprigs. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for crispy skin. Use smashed garlic cloves, not minced, to prevent burning. For extra-crispy skin, pour off excess rendered fat after flipping chicken. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Start rice or vegetables before beginning chicken so everything finishes at the same time.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken thighs, quick chicken dinner, crispy chicken thighs, 20 minute meal, weeknight chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/cozy-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-in-20-minutes/