First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

Before you start cooking, the first thing you’ll need to do is prep the chicken thighs. This step is essential to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors from the garlic butter sauce.

1. Pat Dry the Chicken Thighs: Use paper towels to pat the chicken thighs dry. This is an important step because moisture on the skin can prevent it from getting crispy when searing. Drying the chicken also helps it to absorb the seasoning better.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. The paprika not only adds flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful golden color when it cooks.
3. Let the Chicken Rest: After seasoning, let the chicken thighs rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat and helps the chicken cook more evenly.

Second Step: SEAR THE CHICKEN THIGHS

The next step is to sear the chicken thighs to golden perfection. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices, ensuring that the chicken stays moist and tender.

1. Heat the Pan: Place a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, making sure the butter coats the entire surface of the pan.
2. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If you move the chicken too soon, the skin may stick to the pan, so be patient.
3. Flip the Chicken: Once the skin is crispy and browned, flip the chicken thighs over to the other side. Allow the chicken to cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side to develop flavor.
4. Remove the Chicken: After the chicken is seared on both sides, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You can cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.

Third Step: MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

Now that the chicken is seared, it’s time to make the rich garlic butter sauce that will elevate this dish to new heights. The sauce is quick and easy to make and will complement the chicken beautifully.

1. Melt the Remaining Butter: In the same skillet you used to sear the chicken, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt over medium heat, scraping up any flavorful brown bits left in the pan from the chicken.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the Herbs: Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, allowing them to cook in the butter for another 30 seconds. The herbs will infuse the butter with their aromatic flavors.
4. Add Lemon Juice (Optional): If you’re using lemon juice, add it to the pan now. The acidity from the lemon helps balance out the richness of the butter, creating a more harmonious sauce.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Let the garlic butter sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

Fourth Step: COMBINE THE CHICKEN AND GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE

Now that your garlic butter sauce is ready, it’s time to combine everything. This step ensures that the chicken is infused with all the wonderful flavors from the sauce.

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Carefully place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken to coat it evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Let the chicken thighs cook in the garlic butter sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat while allowing it to soak up the sauce.
3. Baste the Chicken: As the chicken cooks, occasionally spoon some of the sauce over the thighs to keep them moist and infuse them with flavor.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once the chicken is cooked through and coated in the luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s time to garnish and serve.

1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken thighs for a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic butter chicken thighs hot with a side of vegetables, rice, pasta, or a simple salad. The garlic butter sauce is perfect for drizzling over potatoes, couscous, or any other side dish you choose.