Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet With Smoky Chipotle Honey Glaze

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy? This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Smoky Chipotle Honey Glaze is exactly what you need! Crispy skin, juicy chicken thighs, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a smoky-sweet glaze – it’s a flavor combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe utilizes a cast-iron skillet for maximum flavor and a beautiful presentation, but don’t worry if you don’t have one; a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet will work beautifully too. Get ready to experience chicken elevated to a whole new level!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 800g (1 ¾ lb) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 pieces): We’re using bone-in, skin-on thighs because they stay incredibly moist and flavorful during cooking. The bone adds depth of flavor, and the skin gets beautifully crispy. Look for thighs that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• 42g (3 Tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Cubing the butter helps it melt quickly and evenly into the sauce. High-quality butter will contribute to a richer flavor.
• 30ml (2 Tbsp) olive oil: Olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter, making it ideal for searing the chicken at a high temperature. Extra virgin olive oil is great for flavor, but a standard olive oil works well too.
• 6 garlic cloves, minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic flavor. Don’t use pre-minced garlic, as it lacks the same intensity. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it infuses the butter with its flavor.
• 5g (1 tsp) kosher salt: Kosher salt is preferred for its larger crystals, which distribute flavor more evenly. If using table salt, reduce the amount slightly.
• 2.5g (½ tsp) freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a more robust and complex flavor than pre-ground pepper.
• 30ml (2 Tbsp) honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully in the oven. A mild-flavored honey, like clover or wildflower, is best.
• 5ml (1 tsp) fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter. Bottled lime juice doesn’t compare!
• 5g (1 tsp) chipotle powder: Chipotle powder is made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, giving the glaze a smoky heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• 2.5g (½ tsp) smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds another layer of smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the glaze. Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) is particularly flavorful.
• Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Zest of ½ lime, for garnish: Lime zest provides a burst of citrus aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall brightness of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions:

• Chicken Thighs: While bone-in, skin-on thighs are best, you can use boneless, skinless thighs. Reduce cooking time slightly.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
• Chipotle Powder: If you don’t have chipotle powder, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor.
• Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but lime provides a more authentic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

1. Preheat and Prepare the Skillet: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place a cast-iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl it around to ensure the entire bottom surface is coated. A well-heated skillet is crucial for achieving that beautiful, crispy chicken skin.
2. Sear the Chicken Skin: Pat the chicken thighs *completely* dry with paper towels. This is a non-negotiable step! Moisture prevents proper browning. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Resist the urge to move them! Allow them to sear undisturbed for 6-7 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden-brown color and the skin should release easily from the pan when gently nudged.
3. Baste with Garlic Butter: Once the skin is beautifully browned, flip the chicken thighs. Add the cubed butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Now, the magic happens: spoon the melting butter over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Continue basting for another 2 minutes. This infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and helps keep it moist.
4. Prepare the Smoky Chipotle Honey Glaze: While the chicken is searing and basting, whisk together the honey, lime juice, chipotle powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the chipotle powder to your spice preference – a little goes a long way! The lime juice balances the sweetness of the honey and adds a bright acidity.
5. Glaze and Roast: Pour the prepared chipotle honey glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Gently toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated with the glaze. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F). The glaze should be beautifully caramelized and glossy.
6. Rest and Finish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Before serving, drizzle any remaining pan juices over the chicken for extra shine and flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve: Plate the chicken directly in the skillet (it’s beautiful presentation!) or transfer it to a rustic wooden board. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and a light dusting of lime zest. The vibrant green of the cilantro and lime zest provides a lovely visual contrast to the dark, glossy glaze.

Why Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs?

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs isn’t just about tradition; it’s about flavor and texture. The bone adds depth of flavor during cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully, providing a delightful textural contrast to the tender meat. Chicken thighs are also more forgiving than chicken breasts, meaning they’re less likely to dry out during the roasting process. They remain incredibly juicy and flavorful, even with a longer cooking time.

The Magic of Chipotle and Smoked Paprika

The combination of chipotle powder and smoked paprika is what truly elevates this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet. Chipotle powder brings a smoky heat that’s complex and intriguing, while smoked paprika adds another layer of smokiness and a subtle sweetness. Together, they create a glaze that’s both bold and balanced, complementing the richness of the garlic butter and the sweetness of the honey. Don’t substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika – the smoky flavor is essential!

Cast Iron Skillet Benefits

While you can use an oven-safe skillet, a cast iron skillet is highly recommended for this recipe. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking and a beautifully crispy chicken skin. It also adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet will work, but you may not achieve the same level of crispiness.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes roasted with a touch of olive oil and salt.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious pan juices.
• Quinoa or Rice: A lighter option that complements the richness of the chicken.
• A Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? While you can, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily. If using breasts, reduce the roasting time and monitor the internal temperature closely.
• How spicy is this recipe? The spice level depends on the amount of chipotle powder you use. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, the glaze can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with Smoky Chipotle Honey Glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later – you’ll want to make it again and again!

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