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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Easy 15-Minute Dinner

quick garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring crispy-skinned chicken thighs seared in a skillet with a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or light olive oil)
  • Salt (kosher) to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for gluten-free omit)
  • 3–4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dust with flour if using, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat with neutral oil until it shimmers.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Press gently and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Flip the thighs and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and crumble in bouillon cube. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over them. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure chicken is completely dry before searing for crispy skin. Do not rush the sear; let the skin release naturally from the pan. Add garlic only at the end to prevent burning. For a dairy-free option, use ghee or plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, garlic butter, quick dinner, weeknight meals, skillet chicken, easy recipe, gluten-free option