Description
Rich, aromatic golden chicken thighs seared in fragrant garlic butter. Bone-in thighs yield moist meat with a crispy skin finish, ideal for a comforting, flavorful main course without pork or alcohol.
Ingredients
4 lbs (1.8 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup (113g) softened unsalted butter
6 cloves minced garlic
1/2 lemon, zest and juice
1 tsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp chopped thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
Pat chicken dry with paper towels
Combine butter, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and herbs in a bowl. Reserve half for finishing
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden, flip and repeat on second side
Scatter minced garlic on the pan and baste chicken with melted butter
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Brush reserved butter mixture over chicken during last 5 minutes of cooking
Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
Notes
Free-range chicken enhances flavor; boneless thighs reduce cooking time by 15-20 minutes
Browned butter adds depth but skips pan-crisping potential
Lemon can be replaced with lime for a Caribbean flavor twist
Adjust salt if using naturally salty butter; kosher salt is preferred
Thyme offers earthiness, rosemary provides piney brightness
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh portion
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 300mg