Skillet Chicken Thighs With Brown Butter Corn

Published Aug. 24, 2022

Skillet Chicken Thighs With Brown Butter Corn
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Hadas Smirnoff.
Total Time
30 minutes
Rating
5(1,023)
Comments
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This weeknight-friendly recipe pairs sweet corn kernels with sautéed boneless chicken thighs. Easily made in one large skillet, the chicken is cooked first before the corn kernels are added to sauté in the drippings, seasoned with garlic, thyme and plenty of brown butter. Finished with torn basil, lime juice and scallions, it walks the line between rich and sweet, and tangy and fresh — all in under 30 minutes.

Featured in: This Easy One-Pan Chicken Recipe Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 4skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1¼ pounds)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
  • 1teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3tablespoons unsalted butter
  • cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from 1 to 2 ears; see Tip)
  • ½cup torn basil leaves
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • 2scallions, thinly sliced, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

393 calories; 29 grams fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 12 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 16 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 19 grams protein; 519 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Rub garlic and thyme on chicken, and set aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

  2. Step 2

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter, letting butter melt. Add chicken and sear, undisturbed, until browned on both sides, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.

  3. Step 3

    Over medium heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides and it smells nutty and toasty, 2 to 3 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it doesn’t burn.) Add corn and a big pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté until tender and golden brown, 2 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add chicken back to the skillet. Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through and corn is caramelized, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and taste corn, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in basil and squeeze 2 lime wedges over the top. Serve garnished with sliced scallions and more lime wedges.

Tip
  • The least messy way to cut the kernels off an ear of corn is to lay the ear flat on a cutting board and slice off the kernels, turning the cob as you go. Keeping it flat helps prevent the kernels from flying all over the kitchen.

Ratings

5 out of 5
1,023 user ratings
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Comments

Sprinkle flour on both sides of the thighs before browning. Add .5-1 c. liquid (wine, broth, water) when adding the corn, You'll get a nice thickened sauce in which to enjoy the chicken and fresh corn. Since it's the season can also add fresh cherry tomatoes cut in half, but they will take a bit more time than the corn so add before (and add less liquid per above).

Just a month ago I read about using a bundt pan as a base to cut corn kernels off the cob. I've tried it several times now, and it works well -- the kernels fall into the bundt pan, and then you transfer them to a skillet.

There is a specific utensil for cutting the kernels off the ear of corn. Several years ago a relative gave me one--they work wonderfully with their curved cutting edge and a depth gauge.

The flavors in this are great - it tasted like summer. I used some bone in thighs and added an extra 2 minutes to each side for browning and an extra 10 cooking with the corn. Served with a cucumber and tomato salad. I’ll make this again!

I disagree with the tip about cutting corn kernels off when the ear is flat. That positioning is awkward and makes it more difficult to get a good slice of kernels and does not prevent scattering. A careful, well directed vertical slice is more effective and controlled, and results in little scattering when done carefully. Just sayin.....

I’m giving this a 6 out of 10 but not rating the recipe because it was totally my fault it wasn’t 9 or 10 out of 10 - should have listened to Melissa from the beginning. I didn’t skin or bone my thighs because I couldn’t be bothered and it was too greasy in the end. Flavours were otherwise really interesting and will definitely try this again, as Melissa intended.

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