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Crisp Rosemary Butter Chicken Thighs for Two

Prep 10 min Cook 25 min Difficulty 2/5

Crispy rosemary butter chicken thighs: a quick, 2-serving skillet-to-oven method with simple aromatics.

Why this recipe works

This recipe makes crispy, juicy chicken thighs with rosemary butter. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner for two, and scales easily if you’re cooking for more.

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Key takeaways

Crisp-skinned chicken with simple aromatics
One-pan method finished in oven
Rest juices for maximum flavor
Serves 2 with straightforward timing

Recipe guide

This recipe makes crispy, juicy chicken thighs with rosemary butter. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner for two, and scales easily if you’re cooking for more.

Crispy, flavorful chicken in one pan.

  • Crisp-skinned chicken with simple aromatics
  • One-pan method finished in oven
  • Rest juices for maximum flavor
  • Serves 2 with straightforward timing

1) Prep and sear

Pat dry; season with kosher salt and pepper. Sear skin-side down in olive oil over medium-high heat until deep golden, about 8 minutes.

2) Flavor the pan

Flip, add butter, garlic, and chopped rosemary. Tilt the pan to baste the thighs with melted butter for 1 minute.

3) Roast and rest

Transfer to a preheated oven until 165°F (74°C) internal temp, 12–15 minutes. Rest 5 minutes and spoon pan juices over.

Ingredients

  • 4 unit bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 clove garlic, smashed
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper
  2. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
  3. Place skin-side down and sear without moving until skin is deep golden and crisp, about 8 minutes
  4. Flip thighs and add butter, garlic, and chopped rosemary to the pan
  5. Spoon melted butter and aromatics over the thighs for 1 minute
  6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), about 12–15 minutes
  7. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving, spooning pan juices over the thighs

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, but adjust cooking time; bone-in thighs stay juicier and crispier with this method.
Can I skip the oven step? Sear the thighs well and finish in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.