Skillet Chicken Thighs with Brown Butter Corn

 

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1¼ pounds)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2garlic cloves, finely grated or minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from 1 to 2 ears)

½ cup torn basil leaves

Lime wedges, for serving

2 scallions, thinly sliced, for serving

 

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