Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme); 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary); 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy, golden, and absolutely packed with rich, savory flavor. Cooked to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce, this simple skillet meal is one of those recipes I can turn to any night of the week. It’s quick, comforting, and goes with just about any side dish.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s full of flavor but only takes a handful of ingredients. The garlic butter sauce adds that perfect richness, while the chicken thighs stay incredibly moist and tender. Whether I’m serving it with rice, potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad, it always feels like a complete and satisfying meal. Plus, it comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in or boneless skin-on chicken thighs
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika or smoked paprika
Garlic cloves, minced
Butter
Olive oil
Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

I pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
I heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I place the chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
I flip the chicken and continue cooking on the other side until fully cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C), about another 5–7 minutes.
I reduce the heat to medium, add more butter to the pan, and stir in the minced garlic. I let it cook for 1–2 minutes, spooning the garlic butter over the chicken as it finishes.
I garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges if I want a touch of brightness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan after cooking to create a quick pan sauce. I’ve also added sliced mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to cook alongside the garlic for extra flavor and veggies. If I want it spicy, I sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the skin crisp, or in the microwave for convenience. I don’t recommend freezing if using skin-on thighs, as the texture changes, but boneless chicken freezes well after cooking. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, I do that often when I want a quicker cook time or a leaner option. Just reduce the searing time slightly since they cook faster.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

I add it after the chicken is mostly cooked and reduce the heat—garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if it burns.

What sides go well with this dish?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. The garlic butter goes great with just about anything.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, I sear it first for color, then transfer the skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to finish if I want less hands-on cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I always check the thickest part with a meat thermometer—once it hits 165°F (74°C), it’s done.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are one of those go-to meals I never get tired of. The combination of juicy chicken and rich garlic butter is irresistible, and the whole thing comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes. It’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit at the table—perfect for busy nights or when I just want something satisfying and homey.