A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 4 to 6 servings. 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly cracked

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 4 to 6 servings. 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly cracked

Butter-Poached Chicken Thighs

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Butter-poached chicken thighs

Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)

Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Use a paper towel to dab chicken dry on both sides.
In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle seasoning over both sides of chicken.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Place chicken skin-side down in skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until skin is golden brown and beginning to crisp. Flip chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Place chicken in baking dish, skin-side up. Pour skillet drippings over chicken. Cut remaining butter into 6 pieces and place on thighs.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until internal temperature is 165°. Place chicken on serving platter and pour juices from baking dish over top. Garnish with parsley just before serving.



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This story was published on Apr 14, 2026

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.