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Honey Garlic Butter Skillet Chicken Thighs

honey garlic butter skillet chicken thighs - featured image
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Juicy chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic butter sauce—all in one skillet and ready in just 30 minutes. This easy dinner is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 8) chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on or boneless skinless
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend, optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4–5 large cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess (optional).
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30–45 seconds (do not brown).
  4. Pour in honey and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Return chicken (and juices) to skillet, nestling into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer 3–5 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and sauce is sticky.
  6. Turn off heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over each thigh. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispy skin.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or skip the flour. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or all olive oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best browning. If the sauce splits, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter off heat. Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, skillet chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, 30 minute meal, one pan chicken, weeknight dinner, family recipe, gluten free option, dairy free option

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/honey-garlic-butter-skillet-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/