Go Back
A baked easy garlic chicken thigh recipe served on a plate.

Easy Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, bathed in a rich garlic pan sauce. It's a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Plate

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2-3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 8-10 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Flip the chicken and sear on the other side for 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) to the skillet, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and bring to a simmer.
  • Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and let the sauce simmer gently around the chicken.
  • Finish cooking the chicken either on the stovetop (covered for 15-20 minutes on low) or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken and stir butter into the pan sauce until melted and silky; optionally, stir in fresh lemon juice.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with the pan sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or a side of steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.