These garlic butter chicken thighs are juicy and packed with flavor! Cooked in a rich garlic butter, they make a perfect dinner choice that everyone will love.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with garlic and butter, right? I love serving these with rice or veggies to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out quicker. Bone-in adds more moisture!
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you’re dairy-free, you can try using olive oil or coconut oil instead. However, the buttery flavor is hard to replace!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that strong flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove) in a pinch, but it won’t be as robust. I always lean towards fresh if I have it!
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add wonderful flavor, but feel free to switch things up! Fresh versions are preferred (use about three times more), or use Italian seasoning if that’s all you have on hand.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to each bite! If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice works, but the freshness really shines through a freshly squeezed lemon. You could also swap in white wine for a unique spin!
How Do I Get the Skin Crispy on the Chicken Thighs?
Crispy skin is the highlight of chicken thighs! The key is proper searing. Start with a hot skillet and don’t rush this step. Follow these steps for the best result:
- Make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the butter—this helps achieve that golden skin.
- When adding the chicken, place it skin-side down and let it sear without moving it for 5-7 minutes. Patience is key!
- After flipping, let it cook for just a couple of minutes more before adding herbs and lemon juice.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying your tasty dish in just about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure your chicken cooks evenly and comes out perfectly crispy!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is key to flavoring the chicken!
3. Searing in Butter:
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic—you just want it to be fragrant and slightly golden.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Now it’s time for the chicken! Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down. Sear them for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This will help lock in those yummy flavors!
5. Flipping and Adding Herbs:
After the skin is perfectly crispy, flip the chicken thighs over. Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary on top for an extra punch of flavor. Then, squeeze the lemon juice evenly over the chicken.
6. Baking the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat!
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay juicy. Then, garnish with fresh chopped parsley right before serving for some color and freshness. Enjoy your savory Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes since they cook faster. Just check that they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove, or the equivalent amount from the jar, keeping in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and season it in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or gently warm in the microwave.
