Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Ensuring the chicken is dry helps achieve a crispy skin, crucial for this garlic butter chicken thighs recipe.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear for 6-8 minutes until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. Do not move the chicken during this time.
Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs over and reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet, letting it melt around the chicken. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring the garlic constantly to prevent burning, until fragrant. Basting the chicken with the garlic butter helps infuse flavor throughout this garlic butter chicken thighs recipe.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. This ensures your garlic butter chicken thighs are perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender garlic butter chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite sides, ensuring to spoon extra garlic butter sauce over each thigh. Storing leftovers in Basics Glass Food Storage containers will keep them fresh for days, allowing you to enjoy this garlic butter chicken thighs recipe again.