Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs are a savory and aromatic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a flavorful garlic and thyme-infused sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 20 cloves of garlic (2 full heads), separated and peeled
- 2 tablespoons flour (for gluten-free, use gluten-free multi-purpose flour)
- Chicken broth
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare Chicken Thighs
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Brown Chicken Thighs
- Heat Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook Garlic
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the peeled garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Make Sauce
- Thicken Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic in the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Thyme: Stir in fresh thyme leaves, reserving some for garnish.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet
- Return Chicken: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 8: Serve
- Garnish: Garnish the Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs with additional fresh thyme leaves before serving.
- Plate: Serve the chicken thighs hot, spooning the garlic and thyme sauce over the top.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Additional Flavor: For added flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs such as rosemary or oregano over the chicken thighs before baking.
- Vegetable Addition: Consider adding diced onions or sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic for extra depth of flavor and texture.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: If preferred, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless thighs cook faster.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs are a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the tender chicken thighs infused with the aroma of garlic and thyme, and savor every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts in place of chicken thighs if preferred. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs ahead of time and reheat them before serving. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
A: Yes, you can use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme in this recipe. Use about half the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh thyme, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Adjust to taste.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Garlic Thyme Chicken Thighs and elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple and delicious recipe!
