Simple, savoury, and packed with flavour, these Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a weeknight dinner—crispy skin, juicy meat, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and ridiculously satisfying with minimal effort.
🌟 Top Tip:
For ultimate crispiness, start skin-side down in a cold skillet—this renders fat slowly and gives that golden, crackly finish.
🛒 Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 2 lbs / 900g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon slices for serving
Optional Side:
- 3 cups (300g) roasted broccoli or green beans
🔥 How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs (Step-by-Step)
- Prep the Chicken
Pat thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. - Sear the Chicken
Place chicken skin-side down in a cold cast iron skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook for 12–15 minutes without moving, until the skin is golden and crispy. - Flip and Finish
Flip chicken and cook another 10–12 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C). - Make the Garlic Butter
Remove chicken and set aside. Discard excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp. Add butter to the skillet, then stir in garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Cook for 1–2 minutes. - Return Chicken to Skillet
Spoon garlic butter over chicken and simmer together for a final 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. - Serve
Plate with roasted broccoli or your favourite low-carb veggie side.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 32g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
💡 Handy Tips
- Use boneless thighs for a quicker-cooking version (reduce sear time).
- For an extra garlicky kick, roast a whole head of garlic and mash into the butter.
- Make a double batch of garlic butter and use it on veggies or fish later in the week.
❓ Garlic Butter Chicken FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead?
A: Yes, but you’ll miss out on that crispy skin! Adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Definitely! Store in a freezer-safe container and reheat gently to preserve moisture.
Q: Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
A: Yep—sear for 5 minutes per side, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.