Introduction
There’s something magical about a simple dish that evokes nostalgia, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe does just that! Whether it’s childhood memories of family gatherings or the satisfaction of a quick and flavorful meal, this dish delivers on all fronts. Best of all, it comes together in under 20 minutes with just six simple ingredients—many of which are pantry staples. If you’re looking for a fuss-free yet indulgent meal to add to your weeknight rotation, this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only six ingredients, all easily found in your kitchen.
- Packed with Flavor: A rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of sweetness and umami.
- Crispy & Juicy Chicken: The perfect balance of crunch and tenderness in every bite.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Use Skin-On Chicken: The crispy skin adds extra texture and flavor.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensures maximum crispiness when pan-frying.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce to drizzle over rice, simply double the sauce ingredients.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced ingredients enhance the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Pair with a Side: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, lightly salted
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (for pan-frying)
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons Kikkoman light soy sauce
Garnish:
- 3 scallion greens, sliced thin
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Lightly salt both sides of the chicken.
- Coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and add the butter.
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the brown sugar and soy sauce, stirring until fully combined and slightly thickened (1-2 minutes).
- Combine & Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional minute.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with thinly sliced scallion greens.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Rice & Noodles: Serve over jasmine rice, garlic butter rice, or stir-fried noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Vegetables: Pair with bok choy, broccoli, or sautéed bell peppers.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a little heat.
- Extra Crispy Chicken: Air-fry or deep-fry the chicken for an even crunchier texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed greens for a keto-friendly meal.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s rich, savory, slightly sweet, and packed with garlicky goodness—perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Try it out and let the crispy, buttery goodness win you over!
Also if you want more chicken recipes you can checkout my better than takeout chicken recipe
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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs – Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a savory, garlicky butter sauce. With just six simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting and flavorful meal. Want extra sauce? Double the recipe and drizzle it over everything!
Ingredients
Chicken:
Sauce:
Garnish:
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
-
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
-
Lightly salt both sides of the chicken.
-
Coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
Pan-Fry the Chicken:
-
Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
-
Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
-
In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and add the butter.
-
Stir in minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
-
Add the brown sugar and soy sauce, stirring until fully combined and slightly thickened (1-2 minutes).
Combine & Serve:
-
Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
-
Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional minute.
-
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with thinly sliced scallion greens.
Enjoy:
-
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.