This one pan garlic butter chicken thighs is perfect for a mid-week dinner. Ready in less than 30 minutes. It's juicy, buttery, garlicky, tender, slightly smoky and everything you want in a wholesome one pan dish. Zero fuss, no mess and made with everyday staples.
My sister-in-law made this for my family and we found it really delicious, so I just had to ask for the recipe. Garlic butter chicken is now a favourite in my household. The simple reason is that it is quick, easy and packed with flavour and texture. The green beans and broccolini add that lovely crunch with the juicy chicken. The butter, paprika and garlic sauce helps keep the chicken moist. My sister-in-law used broccoli, but I just love broccolini.
I know when I am short on time and want something filling and nourishing for the family, this is one of my go to dishes. It's satisfying, delicious and the buttery sauce is flavourful. This dish is perfect for a speedy weeknight meal but classy enough to impress guests.
Ingredients you'll need for Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs: Versatile, flavourful, tender and juicy than chicken breasts and more cost effective. Thighs are forgiving to cook while I find breasts dry out too quickly.
- Butter: Salted butter is the key and gives the dish a lovely flavour and keeps the chicken moist.
- Garlic: Adds a distinct savoury flavour and aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a deep, woody and earthy smoky flavour, along with a hint of sweetness and vibrant colour.
- Thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty, and aromatic depth.
Here is why you'll love Garlic Butter Chicken
- Smoked paprika and garlic: Combining paprika with garlic butter provides a savoury, slightly smoky, and robust flavour that makes the chicken taste like it took hours to prepare.
- Thyme’s earthiness: The addition of thyme adds a woody, slightly peppery element that bridges the savoury butter sauce with the fresh vegetables.
- Crisp tender vegetables: Sautéing broccolini and green beans with garlic ensures they remain bright, vibrant, and firm, offering a "snap" that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
- Golden chicken: Searing the chicken in butter creates a golden, caramelised exterior while keeping the meat juicy.
- One-Pan Cleanup: The dish is a "one-pot wonder," cooked in a single skillet making the cooking process quick and cleanup minimal.
Want more one pan recipes for dinner
Why not try:
- Simple shakshuka
- Easy one pot sausage casserole
- One pot spinach and sour cream pasta
- Easy savoury mince
- One pot lemon chicken rice
If you enjoyed one pan garlic butter chicken thighs, leave a comment below.
One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
This one pan garlic butter chicken thighs is perfect for a mid-week dinner. Ready in less than 30 minutes. It's juicy, buttery, garlicky, tender, slightly smoky and everything you want in a wholesome one pan dish. Zero fuss, no mess and made with everyday staples.
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 tbsp olive oil
800 g skinless chicken thighs
200 g green beans, tips off
2 bunches broccolini
50 g salted butter
1 tbsp crushed garlic
3 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook chicken: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover, and rest for 5 minutes.
- Cook greens: Add broccolini and beans to the pan. Cook and stir occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until just tender, then transfer to the plate with the chicken.
- Make pan sauce: Add butter, paprika, garlic, and thyme to the pan. Cook and stir for 1 minute until the butter melts.
- Combine and serve: Return the chicken, beans, and broccolini to the pan. Turn to coat them fully in the garlic butter sauce, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- If you don't have broccolini, you can use broccoli.
