Summer is the perfect season to experiment with light, flavorful dishes that celebrate the vibrant produce and fresh ingredients available. Our Summer Chicken Thigh Recipe embodies this essence, providing a delightful combination of crispy skin, succulent meat, and aromatic garlic butter sauce. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it an excellent choice for any summer meal.

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Brief Overview of the Recipe

This recipe involves searing chicken thighs until the skin is perfectly crispy, then baking them to ensure the meat remains juicy and tender. The addition of garlic-infused butter elevates the dish, providing a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Fresh parsley adds a final touch of freshness and color, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Summer

Summer calls for meals that are both light and satisfying, and this chicken thigh recipe fits the bill perfectly. The use of fresh parsley and garlic, combined with the simplicity of the preparation, ensures that the dish is not overly heavy, making it ideal for warm weather dining. Additionally, the minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking process mean you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine.

Ingredients Breakdown

Explanation of Ingredient Choices
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, olive oil provides a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Chicken thighs, skin on and bone in: These cuts are chosen for their superior flavor and juiciness, which are enhanced by the skin and bone.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
Butter: Adds richness to the dish and helps create a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Garlic, crushed: Infuses the dish with its distinctive aroma and taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens up the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Chicken Thighs
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, ensuring the oven rack is positioned in the center. This allows for even cooking. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a crispy skin. Generously season the thighs with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Searing the Chicken for Perfect Crispiness
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, allowing the skin to become a beautiful golden brown and achieve a delightful crispiness.

Adding Butter and Garlic for Flavor
Once the skin is crispy, carefully flip the chicken thighs over. If there is an excess of rendered fat in the skillet, spoon it out to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, then stir in the crushed garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.

Baking the Chicken to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for approximately 30 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safety and tenderness.

Final Touches: Serving and Garnishing
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon some of the fragrant garlic butter sauce over each thigh to enhance the flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the chicken at its best.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Best Practices for Prepping Chicken Thighs: Ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning for the crispiest skin.
Tips for Achieving the Crispiest Skin: Do not move the chicken around while it sears; let it develop a crust undisturbed.
How to Handle Excess Fat in the Skillet: Carefully spoon out the fat to avoid a greasy dish.
Perfect Timing for Baking Chicken Thighs: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s 165°F.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Complement your summer chicken thighs with sides that enhance the dish’s flavors and keep the meal light and refreshing.

Ideal Side Dishes to Complement the Chicken: Consider roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light couscous salad.
Refreshing Summer Salads to Pair: A crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing contrast.
Suggested Beverages and Desserts: Pair the dish with a chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea, and finish with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or fresh fruit.

Variations and Substitutions

Alternative Ingredients for Different Flavors: Swap the parsley for cilantro or add a squeeze of lemon for a zesty twist.
How to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Adjusting the Recipe for Different Dietary Needs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for a leaner version, or experiment with different herbs and spices for varied flavor profiles.

This Summer Chicken Thigh Recipe is a wonderful addition to your seasonal menu, offering a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that highlights the best of summer’s flavors. Whether you are serving it at a family dinner or a casual backyard gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful meal that celebrates the joy of summer cooking.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
5 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup butter
5 cloves garlic, crushed
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, ensuring the oven rack is placed in the center position. Using a paper towel, thoroughly dry the chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and black pepper.
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and cook them until the skin turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes crispy, about 5 minutes.
Once the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs over. If there is an excess amount of fat rendered in the skillet, carefully spoon it out.
Add the butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. Then, introduce the crushed garlic, stirring it around the pan for approximately 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 165°F.
After the chicken is fully cooked, spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over each thigh. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top before serving.