Crispy Butter Garlic Chicken
Andrea Potischman
Jan 15, 2025
Crispy butter garlic chicken is a quick, flavorful dish for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe creates tender, juicy chicken thighs topped with irresistibly golden, crispy skin. The secret to achieving perfectly crispy chicken is using a cast iron skillet. Its even heat distribution ensures the chicken skin renders beautifully while keeping the meat moist and succulent. After searing the thighs on both sides, they’re finished in the oven, allowing the rich, garlicky butter to infuse every bite with mouthwatering flavor.
Why Dark Meat?
Although I gravitate towards using boneless, skinless chicken breasts in many recipes, using chicken thighs, with their higher fat content and richer flavor, adds depth and succulence to this dish. Dark meat also stays moist during cooking, ensuring a deliciously tender result every single time.
Crispy Skin Tips
To achieve perfectly crispy skin when pan-searing, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind. First, ensure the skin is completely dry before cooking. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and, if time allows, let them air dry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up nicely.
Next, make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than searing. Resist the urge to move the chicken around once it’s in the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a golden crust. If you try to flip the chicken too soon, the skin may stick to the pan and tear. Finally, finish cooking the chicken in the oven. After searing the skin side, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven to finish cooking the chicken through. This ensures that the skin stays crispy while the meat cooks to perfection.
To complete the meal, serve this crispy butter garlic chicken with sides like roasted root vegetables or a vibrant green salad. These accompaniments not only complement the flavors of the chicken but also provide a well-rounded, satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. This chicken recipe is a versatile option that’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a winning dish for any night of the week.
Crispy Butter Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil
- 8 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the oven rack in the center position. Pat the chicken thighs with paper towels to dry (this will help them get crispy when cooking). Generously season the all over with salt and black pepper.
- Place the oil in a large cast iron skillet and place over medium heat. When hot but not smoking, add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear, rotating only as needed, until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Carefully turn the chicken over once the skin is crispy, and turn off the heat. Using a spoon, carefully remove all but two tablespoons of the rendered chicken fat. Swirl in the butter and garlic.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches the internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven, place the chicken on a serving platter, spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the top of each chicken thigh, and garnish with parsley.
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