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Kid-Approved One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

one-pan garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs in a rich garlic butter sauce, all made in one pan in about 30 minutes. This easy weeknight dinner is a family favorite that turns a hectic Tuesday into a delicious win.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides of chicken generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2 minutes).
  4. Place chicken skin-side down in the skillet without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until golden crust forms.
  6. Transfer seared chicken to a plate (it will not be fully cooked).
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet skin-side up. Spoon garlic butter sauce over each piece.
  10. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with pan sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Don’t crowd the pan when searing. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. For stovetop-only version, cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes after making sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken, garlic butter chicken, chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, family dinner, crispy chicken, 30-minute meal