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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 8 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Using these simple ingredients makes cooking easy and fun. Chicken thighs give you a juicy, tender bite. The garlic and butter blend creates a rich flavor that you will love. Fresh tomatoes and spinach add color and nutrition. - Calories per serving: About 350 calories - Macronutrient breakdown: Roughly 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbs - Health benefits of garlic and spinach: Garlic boosts your immune system while spinach offers iron and vitamins. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. Garlic helps keep you healthy, and spinach supports your body with nutrients. Enjoy this dish guilt-free, knowing it's good for you! Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps to make this delightful dish. - Prepare the skillet with butter: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. - Season the chicken thighs: Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika on both sides. Make sure to coat them well for great flavor. - Sear the chicken thighs: Place the seasoned thighs in the hot skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side. They should look golden brown and reach 165°F inside. Once done, take them out and set aside. - Sauté the garlic and cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter and 8 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute. Don’t let the garlic burn! Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. - Combine chicken with vegetables and lemon juice: Return the chicken to the skillet. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over everything. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. - Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish. If needed, add more salt and pepper. Once ready, remove from heat. Serve hot and enjoy this delightful meal straight from the pan. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 20 minutes - Total time: 30 minutes - Servings: 4 For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Seasoning is key for great flavor. I always use fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken well. This helps lock in moisture and adds taste. For searing chicken, heat your skillet well before adding the meat. This creates a nice crust. Place the chicken in the pan gently, and avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and browning. One big mistake is burning the garlic. Garlic cooks fast, so watch it closely. Remove it from heat as soon as it’s fragrant. This keeps your dish from tasting bitter. Another common issue is undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. This keeps your chicken juicy and safe to eat. I recommend using a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan. These types heat evenly and help with searing. A good spatula or tongs makes flipping the chicken easy. Also, keep a meat thermometer handy. It’s a great tool for ensuring perfect doneness. With the right tools, your cooking will be much smoother. For more details, you can check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Turkey thighs work well. Tofu is a great choice for a vegan option. It holds flavor and cooks nicely. Add different vegetables for variety. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. They all blend well with garlic and butter. Want more texture? Try adding cheese or nuts. Parmesan cheese melts beautifully over the chicken. Almonds or walnuts give a nice crunch. You can also play with seasonings. Try adding Italian herbs or a hint of cayenne. These spices can elevate the dish. If you need it gluten-free, check labels on butter and seasonings. Most are safe, but always verify. To make it low-carb, cut the tomatoes and focus on the chicken and spinach. This keeps it hearty and satisfying without extra carbs. How do you store One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken? First, let the dish cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful for later meals. You should store it in the fridge. It lasts for up to three days. For best results, use glass containers. They do not stain or retain odors. Plastic containers are also fine if they are food-safe and airtight. What are the best methods for reheating chicken? The oven works great for even heating. Preheat it to 350°F and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid drying it out. To keep the flavor and texture, avoid using high heat. Slow and steady is the way to go! How do you freeze leftovers? First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, cut it into pieces if desired. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move the chicken from the freezer to the fridge. It takes about 24 hours. You can also use the microwave on defrost mode. Just be careful not to cook it. When ready to eat, you can reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken straight from the freezer! How to make One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken? First, heat butter in a skillet. Sear seasoned chicken thighs until golden. Then, sauté garlic and add cherry tomatoes with spinach. Combine it all, add lemon juice, and simmer. This creates a rich, buttery flavor. You can find the full recipe above for detailed steps. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner but may dry out faster. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they stay juicy. Thighs are more forgiving and flavorful, though. What should I serve with this dish? Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve over rice or pasta. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and balance to the meal. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. How can I lower the calorie count? To reduce calories, use less butter or opt for a light butter substitute. You can also add more vegetables. This keeps the dish filling without extra calories. What’s the best pan to use for this recipe? A large, heavy skillet works best. Cast iron or stainless steel pans are great options. They heat evenly and give a nice sear to the chicken. Can I cook this on a grill instead of a skillet? Yes, grilling is an option. Use a grill pan or direct heat. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid drying it out. The smoky flavor will add a great twist! This blog post shared a tasty recipe for One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken. You learned about the ingredients, easy steps to prepare and cook, and helpful tips. Try making this dish with the suggested variations for more fun. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Remember, this dish is quick and great for meal prep. Enjoy cooking and experimenting in your kitchen! It’s a simple way to impress friends and family. Keep exploring new flavors and enjoy your meals!

One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken

Discover a delicious and easy-to-make One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken that will impress anyone at your dinner table! This recipe features juicy, seared chicken thighs, fragrant garlic, and vibrant cherry tomatoes and spinach all cooked in one skillet for effortless cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

8 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh baby spinach

1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.

    Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.

      Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet. Sear them for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

        Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, without cleaning, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

          Cook the Vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and the spinach wilts down.

            Combine and Flavor: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the entire dish, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.

              Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary, to suit your palate.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness before serving it hot straight from the pan.

                  - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | Serves 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the buttery garlic sauce. Enjoy!