Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs in 15 Minutes
Crispy, golden chicken thighs with a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner fast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42g)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 15g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (6g), or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2g)
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola, 15ml)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
- Heat a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil and heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt for about 30 seconds. Add the minced garlic and thyme sprigs. Tilt the pan and baste the chicken with the melting butter.
- Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Do not cover.
- While the chicken rests, keep the pan with the butter and garlic over low heat. If desired, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve the chicken on a platter or individual plates. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
Pat the chicken very dry for crispy skin. Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking. Don’t move the chicken too early; it will release naturally when seared. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 400
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: quick chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, 15 minute dinner, weeknight chicken, crispy chicken thighs