Print

Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

crispy garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

Crispy garlic butter chicken thighs with shatteringly crisp skin, juicy meat, and a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4–5 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until foaming but not browning.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press down gently with a spatula for 30 seconds. Do not move for 6-7 minutes until skin is deep golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Push chicken to one side. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, sliced garlic, and thyme sprigs. Cook garlic for about 60 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
  5. Tilt the pan slightly so butter pools. Spoon garlic butter over chicken thighs repeatedly for 2-3 minutes to baste.
  6. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top, sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Spoon remaining garlic butter from pan over chicken before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, 30-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, cast iron chicken, bone-in chicken thighs

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-easy-30-minute-dinner/