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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Best Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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Crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate for a few minutes to air dry.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub in gently.
  3. Place a large skillet (10-12 inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 5 minutes on the second side.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Push chicken to one side of the pan. Add butter to the empty space and let it melt. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the garlic butter over the chicken thighs for about 1 minute to baste.
  8. Pour in chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  9. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part, or juices run clear when pierced.
  10. Remove pan from heat. Let chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, 20-minute meal, one-pan chicken, crispy chicken thighs

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