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Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs | Best Weeknight Dinner

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This easy one-pan garlic butter chicken thighs recipe is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (sweet Hungarian preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, substitute for half the broth)
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken and let sit at room temperature.
  3. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl until melted and foamy.
  4. Place chicken skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and releases easily. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add sliced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  6. Pour in chicken broth (and wine if using), scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Warm through for about 1 minute. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Slice garlic instead of mincing to prevent burning. Don’t rush the sear—let chicken cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, crispy chicken thighs

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-best-weeknight-dinner/