Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Cut off ends and peels of potatoes to create cylinders; then cut in half and place in cold water for 5 minutes

Pat dry with paper towel

Cook oil over HIGH heat until shimmering

Turn heat to MEDIUM HIGH heat and cook one end of potatoes for 5 - 6 minutes until browned, adding salt and pepper to upright end

Flip potatoes over, remove oil with paper towel, and add butter and thyme to pan

Use thyme sprigs to brush potatoes with butter and add salt and pepper to upright end

When butter starts to turn golden, add chicken broth

Bake for about 30 minutes until done, adding more broth if needed