Preheat oven to 400° F (205°C).
Wash and pat dry chicken thighs. Season both sides of chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-proof skillet, melt butter or add oil on medium high heat. Place chicken skin-side down first and sear the chicken until crispy brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Flip the chicken and crisp the other side for about 2 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
In the same skillet over medium heat add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add bay leaf, curry powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, fish sauce, and lime zest.
Then add coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir until combined. Bring liquid to a low simmer.
Place chicken back into the skillet and transfer to oven. Roast the chicken for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. Internal temperature of chicken should be about 175° F (80°C).
After chicken is cooked, top with minced cilantro and serve over rice or with slices of crusty bread.
