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Cozy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Easy Fall Dinner

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This cozy garlic butter chicken thighs recipe is the perfect fall dinner—crispy skin, tender meat, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that comes together in about 45 minutes with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand; use ¾ teaspoon if using fine salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (European-style like Kerrygold recommended)
  • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (like Maldon, for finishing, optional)
  • Crusty bread or cooked rice (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  3. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, swirling occasionally. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter turns light golden brown and smells nutty.
  4. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot butter. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the sliced garlic and rosemary sprigs to the pan around the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring gently, until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice around the chicken (not over the crispy skin). Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
  7. Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Discard the rosemary sprigs. Garnish with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. For dairy-free, substitute with vegan butter or ghee. For a spicy twist, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken thighs, easy fall dinner, crispy chicken thighs, one-pan chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-easy-fall-dinner/