Ready in: 50 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Oven Baked · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.Quick Answer
Boxed-style answer: Sear and bake chicken thighs in garlic butter for a flavorful, cozy dish perfect for holiday gatherings.As the leaves begin to turn gold and the air gets crisp here in New York City, I find myself gravitating toward comforting dishes that echo the warmth of home. One of my favorite go-to recipes for cozy evenings and holiday gatherings is Garlic Butter Chicken. This dish is perfect for elevating any dinner table, especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, and trust me, it fills the kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy one-pan dish that delivers rich and comforting flavors, perfect for chilly evenings.
- It fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday feasts.
- With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- The combination of tender chicken and a savory garlic butter sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Leftovers are just as tasty, making this dish not only great for dinner but also perfect for quick lunches!
Ingredients
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe requires just a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting dish.
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 head of garlic (cloves peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). I love using my trusty convection oven for even cooking, but any oven will work just fine.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. I always prefer using kosher salt for its ability to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for about 7-8 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. The sound of the chicken skin crisping up is music to my ears!
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter, chopped garlic, thyme, and rosemary directly to the pan. I love the nutty aroma that fills the kitchen as the butter melts. Swirl the pan gently to combine everything, making sure not to burn the garlic - we want it golden, not bitter!
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice
Drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken, allowing the tangy sweetness to balance the richness of the butter.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should feel tender and juicy with a slight jiggle in the middle.
Step 7: Serve
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven (be careful, it's hot!) and garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. I often serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious garlic butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the sear: Don't skip the searing step! It's crucial for developing that crispy, flavorful skin and incorporating all those tasty juices.
- Using cold chicken: Make sure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking. This helps in browning the skin beautifully and ensures even cooking.
- Overcooking garlic: Be vigilant with the garlic! It can quickly turn from perfectly fragrant to burnt and bitter.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with fresh herbs like sage or oregano for different flavor profiles that complement your holiday feast.
- If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when making the garlic butter.
- Letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes post-baking will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Use vegetable broth instead of lemon juice for a different flavor base.
- Try adding baby spinach or kale to the skillet for extra greens.
- Substitute butter with olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free version.
How to Serve
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the garlic butter.
- Include a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Enjoy with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prep the garlic butter and season the chicken a few hours in advance.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing as it may affect the texture of the chicken and garlic butter.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Throughout my testing, I discovered that the garlic butter sauce truly elevates the entire dish, infusing deep flavors into every bite of chicken. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe makes it an ideal choice for both intimate family dinners and festive holiday gatherings alike.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~400 calories · 30g protein · 2g carbs · 30g fat
Recipe by:
Savory Garlic Butter Chicken for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken skin-side down and sear for about 7-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan, swirling gently to combine.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may require less cooking time, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
- What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken? This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the garlic butter sauce in advance, then bake it right before serving for a fresh meal.
- Is it okay to use unsalted butter? Absolutely! Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, and you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
