Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

• Chicken
• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, 6 to 8 thighs, patted dry
  Swaps for boneless skinless chicken thighs

  Instead of chicken breasts or thighs

  • Chicken breasts: The same weight. Leaner and milder; cooks faster and dries out sooner.
  • Extra-firm tofu or chickpeas: About the same weight of pressed tofu, or 1½ cups chickpeas per ½ lb chicken. A different dish, but it takes the same seasoning well.

  More for chicken breasts or thighs

  Cook all chicken to 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, checked with a thermometer.

• 1 tsp kosher salt
  Swaps for kosher salt

  Instead of salt

  • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
  • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

  More for salt

• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  Swaps for garlic powder

  Instead of garlic

  • Fresh garlic: 1 clove for each ⅛ tsp powder, minced fine. Sharper and stronger.
  • Granulated garlic: About twice as much as the powder. The same flavor in coarser grains, which blend better into rubs.

  More for garlic

• ½ tsp paprika
  Swaps for paprika

  Instead of paprika

  • Smoked paprika: The same amount. Adds a smoky flavor; lovely in most savory dishes.
  • Chili powder: The same amount. Adds cumin, garlic and a little heat.

  More for paprika

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  Swaps for olive oil

  Instead of olive oil

  • Avocado oil or another neutral oil: The same amount. No olive flavor; avocado oil handles higher heat.
  • Butter: The same amount. Richer and nutty when browned.
  • A neutral oil + more seasoning: The same amount. Dressings lose the fruity, peppery note; a little extra lemon, garlic or mustard makes up for it.

  More for olive oil

• Lemon garlic sauce
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  Swaps for unsalted butter

  Instead of butter

  • Salted butter: The same amount, with about ¼ tsp less salt per stick (½ cup) elsewhere in the recipe. Nothing noticeable once you cut the salt.
  • Plant-based butter sticks: The same amount. The closest swap.
  • Refined coconut oil: The same amount: solid when the butter is soft or cold, melted when it is melted. It is all fat, so bakes are a bit more tender and rich, with no butter flavor.

  All 4 swaps for butter

  Cooking for an allergy? Check every label.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Swaps for garlic

  Instead of garlic

  • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
  • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

  More for garlic

• ½ cup chicken broth
  Swaps for chicken broth

  Instead of broth

  • Vegetable broth: The same amount. Lighter and slightly sweeter.
  • Bouillon cube, powder or paste + water: Follow the label for the amount of liquid. Close in flavor; a little saltier.
  • Water + extra seasoning: The same amount, with ½ tsp salt per cup and extra garlic, onion or herbs. Flatter and lighter, but fine where other ingredients bring plenty of flavor.

  More for broth

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  Swaps for red pepper flakes

  Instead of red pepper flakes

  • Cayenne: About half as much. Even heat throughout, no flakes.
  • Hot sauce or chili crisp: To taste. Hot sauce adds vinegar; chili crisp adds crunch and oil.
  • A fresh hot chile: Half a jalapeño or serrano for each ½ tsp. Fresh, green heat.

  More for red pepper flakes

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  Swaps for fresh parsley

  Instead of parsley

  • Dried parsley: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Very mild; it adds color more than flavor.
  • Cilantro: The same amount. Stronger and citrusy; suits Mexican and Asian dishes.
  • Celery leaves or chervil: The same amount. Celery leaves are peppery and grassy; chervil is mild with a hint of anise.

  More for parsley

Missing something? Tap Swaps next to an ingredient, or see all substitutions.

Cook to 165°F inside (check with a thermometer).