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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Skillet in 20 Minutes

quick garlic butter chicken thighs skillet - featured image

This quick garlic butter chicken thighs skillet delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and a glossy, buttery sauce in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
  • 68 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan. Cook for 30-60 seconds until it turns light golden brown and smells nutty.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken.
  4. Cook the second side for 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Add lemon juice if using. Warm through for 30 seconds. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the chicken skin bone-dry for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch the garlic carefully to prevent burning. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, quick chicken thighs, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe