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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

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This recipe features tender roasted garlic and crispy chicken thighs cooked in garlic-infused butter, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 whole garlic bulbs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning chicken
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice tops off garlic heads to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  3. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and melt until foaming.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin side down in skillet. Press lightly with tongs and cook for 7-8 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Do not move the chicken during this time.
  5. Flip chicken thighs over. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of skins into skillet, and add fresh thyme. Spoon melted butter and garlic over chicken for 1 minute to infuse flavor.
  6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  7. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon any garlic butter sauce from pan over chicken before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use butter and olive oil together to raise smoke point and add flavor. Roasting garlic first is essential for mellow sweetness. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for best flavor. If no oven-safe pan, transfer chicken to baking dish for oven roasting. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep skin crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, roasted garlic, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, skillet chicken

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/crispy-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-tender-roasted-garlic/