Sizzling Spicy Butter Chicken

This dish is easy: marinate chicken thighs in a bit of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes, then sauté and finish off in a mixture of clarified butter and hot sauce, which is a Magic Elixir of its own. The leftovers are amazing alone, or on a salad the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon clarified butter

• 3 tablespoons hot sauce (check label for compliance if you’re doing Whole30)

No Crumbs Left by Teri Turner

Directions

1. Spread the chicken out in a shallow container good for marinating. Season with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup of the olive oil, the lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes and stir until combined well.

3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, tossing to thoroughly coat.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, if you have the time.

5. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.

6. Heat a large, dry cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium and heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is warm, add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until browned and crispy, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook until cooked through and browned, 5 to 7 minutes more, depending on the thickness of the thighs. Test for doneness. Set the pan aside.

7. In a small pan, melt the clarified butter over low heat. Transfer the butter to a blender, add the hot sauce, and blend until emulsified.

8. Spoon the sauce over the chicken in the pan, coating the chicken thoroughly.

9. Serve immediately.

TERI’S TIPS

For a non-Whole30 version, use regular butter and any hot sauce you like.