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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

These garlic butter chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and packed with rich buttery garlic flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden, then coated in a savory garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs. It's an easy one-skillet, high-protein dinner that's ready in just 35 minutes and pairs perfectly with potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, lounch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges for serving, optional

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then season both sides evenly with the spice mixture.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Sear the chicken thighs for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer them to a plate.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
  7. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  9. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
  10. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  11. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Fresh garlic gives the richest flavor, so avoid using garlic powder in the sauce.
  • Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken while it finishes cooking to keep it extra juicy.
  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus to the skillet for an easy one-pan meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.