Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter

Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter is a golden, pan-seared chicken dish finished with a luxurious, aromatic butter made with fresh herbs and garlic. This elegant yet simple recipe delivers juicy meat, crispy skin, and irresistible flavor—perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines everything you love in a comforting chicken dinner: crispy, golden skin; moist, flavorful meat; and a melt-in-your-mouth herb butter that elevates the entire plate. It’s quick to prepare, made with basic ingredients, and pairs beautifully with almost any side. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work with chicken thighs, breasts, or even a whole spatchcocked bird.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional, for extra seasoning)

For the herb butter:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives, finely chopped)
• Lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook without moving for 6–8 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
4. Flip chicken and reduce heat slightly. Cook for another 6–8 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from pan and let rest.
5. While the chicken cooks, mix softened butter with garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Once chicken is done, spoon herb butter over the hot chicken and let it melt into the crispy skin.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Oven-finished: After searing, finish the chicken in a 400°F oven for 10–15 minutes for even cooking.
• Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to the herb butter.
• Spicy: Mix chili flakes or a touch of cayenne into the butter for heat.
• Whole chicken: Use a spatchcocked chicken or bone-in breasts with the same method.
• Garlic-lover’s version: Add roasted garlic to the butter for a deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
• Skillet: Warm over medium heat with a little extra butter or broth.

Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crispy texture of the skin.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken?

Yes, but you’ll lose the crispy skin. Adjust cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.

What herbs work best in the butter?

Parsley, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, and chives all work beautifully—use what you have on hand.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes. Grill over medium heat, skin-side down first, then flip and cook until done.

Is it necessary to rest the chicken before serving?

Yes. Resting for 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Do I need to use a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron works best for crisping skin, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will do.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Can I use dried herbs?

Yes, but use 1/3 the amount compared to fresh herbs, as dried are more concentrated.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free—just be sure your sides are, too.

What sides go well with this dish?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken with Herb Butter is a delicious, elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its golden, crunchy skin and rich herbaceous butter, this dish offers the perfect blend of texture and flavor. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a reliable and impressive recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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