Print

Kid-Approved Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Easy 20-Minute Skillet Dinner

garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy skillet dinner featuring crispy-skinned chicken thighs in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g)
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Let sit at room temperature while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 2 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not brown.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning garlic butter sauce over the top. Warm through for about 1 minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for crispy skin. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. For extra crispy skin, start chicken in a cold pan and let fat render slowly. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken thighs, easy skillet dinner, 20-minute meal, kid-friendly chicken, crispy chicken thighs, family dinner

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/kid-approved-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-easy-20-minute-skillet-dinner/