Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Indulge in a savory and delectable meal with our Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe. This flavorful dish highlights the juiciness of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, infused with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, these succulent chicken thighs are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Health Benefits

1. Protein-Packed: Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, supporting muscle health and promoting satiety.

   
   

2. Nutrient-Rich Garlic: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, garlic promotes heart health and supports immune function.

   
   

3. Heart-Healthy Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats that support heart health and aid in nutrient absorption.

   
   

4. Hydrating Pan Sauce: The optional chicken broth helps maintain hydration and enhances the dish's flavor profile without adding excess calories.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for deglazing and extra flavor)

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Optional: Additional herbs such as thyme or rosemary

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

2. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper.

Melt the Butter and Cook the Garlic:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown.

3. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down.

2. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

3. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 7-8 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 

4. As the chicken cooks, spoon the garlic butter over the thighs to baste them and keep them moist and flavorful.

Deglaze the Pan (Optional):

1. If desired, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for added brightness and flavor.

4. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.

2. Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter.

3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional herbs such as thyme or rosemary if desired.

Serve:

1. Serve the garlic butter chicken thighs hot, with the pan sauce drizzled over them.

2. These chicken thighs pair well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Tips

• For even cooking, bring the chicken thighs to room temperature before seasoning and cooking.

  
  

• Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs to ensure they cook through without overcooking.

  
  

• If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, add additional garlic cloves or substitute regular butter with garlic-infused butter.

  
  

• To add depth to the pan sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the rich, savory flavors.

  
  

• Leftover chicken thighs can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave for an easy lunch or quick dinner.

  
  

Nutritional Facts

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Net Carbs
324 Kcal	19g	27g	1g	0g	1g