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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Best One Pan 15-Minute Dinner

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This quick garlic butter chicken thighs recipe is a one-pan wonder that delivers crispy skin, tender meat, and a luscious garlic butter sauce in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, delicious dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, smoked or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes while you prep the garlic.
  2. Slice the garlic cloves thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Set aside near the stove.
  3. Heat a large skillet (12-inch, preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl until melted and foaming.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until the chicken feels firm to the touch and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part.
  6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set on a plate. Do not cover.
  7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the sliced garlic. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let warm through for 1 minute.
  10. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch the garlic carefully as it burns quickly. For best results, let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, one pan chicken, quick chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken thighs, 15 minute dinner

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/quick-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-best-one-pan-15-minute-dinner/