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Cozy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

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This cozy one-pan garlic butter chicken thighs recipe is the result of three attempts to recreate a beloved family dish. It’s honest, comforting food that fills your house with a warm, buttery smell and makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking what’s for dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 8 to 10 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 4 to 5 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rack in the middle position.
  3. Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt and start to foam, about 1 minute.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Cook for another 3 minutes on the second side. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, add smashed garlic cloves and thyme sprigs. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  7. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, nestling into the sauce. Spoon some garlic butter sauce over the tops.
  9. Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  10. Remove from oven. Let chicken rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Spoon garlic butter sauce over chicken, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, start with a cold pan: place seasoned chicken skin-side down in a cold cast iron skillet, then turn heat to medium. Pat chicken very dry before seasoning. Smash garlic cloves instead of mincing to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken. If sauce is thin after baking, transfer chicken to a plate and simmer sauce on stovetop for 2-3 minutes to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, comfort food, cast iron skillet, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-easy-dinner/