Pin Experience the ultimate comfort food with these Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. This recipe features bone-in, skin-on thighs roasted to perfection in a rich, herb-infused butter sauce that ensures every bite is bursting with savory flavor. Whether you are hosting a family dinner or looking for a reliable weeknight meal, this American classic delivers gourmet results with minimal effort.
Pin The secret to this dish lies in the aromatic herb butter and the high-heat roasting method. As the chicken cooks, the paprika and onion powder create a beautiful golden hue, while the garlic-infused butter bastes the meat, keeping it succulent and fragrant. It is a simple preparation that results in a truly sophisticated flavor profile.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)
- Garlic Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 5 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried), 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional for serving: Lemon wedges, extra chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy.
- Step 2: Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
- Step 3: Seasoning Mix
- In another bowl, combine the paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Step 4: Coat
- Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Step 5: Arrange
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large oven-proof skillet or baking dish.
- Step 6: Butter Drizzle
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure some of the mixture gets under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Step 7: Roast
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Step 8: Broil
- For extra crispiness, broil the thighs for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Step 9: Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the crispest skin possible, never skip the step of patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Using an oven-proof skillet allows for even heat distribution, and always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hits that perfect internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can easily substitute them with dried herbs by using about 1/3 of the specified amount. For a dairy-free version, replace the unsalted butter with high-quality olive oil to maintain a rich and savory flavor.
Serviervorschläge
This versatile main dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce. Adding a few fresh lemon wedges on the side provides a bright acidity that complements the roasted flavors beautifully.
Pin With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are sure to become a frequent request at your dinner table. Enjoy a meal that is gluten-free, rich in protein, and undeniably delicious.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get the chicken skin extra crispy?
Pat the thighs completely dry before cooking and make sure the skin faces up in the skillet. For maximum crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of roasting, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but reduce roasting time to 25-30 minutes since breasts cook faster. Thighs are preferred because they stay juicier during roasting and absorb the garlic butter flavor better.
- → What temperature should the chicken reach internally?
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone. The safe internal temperature is 75°C (165°F). This ensures food safety while keeping the meat tender and moist.
- → Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried ones?
Absolutely. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. So 1 tablespoon fresh parsley becomes 1 teaspoon dried, and adjust rosemary and thyme proportionally.
- → What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus complement the garlic butter flavors beautifully. You can roast them alongside the chicken if space allows, or prepare them separately.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Replace the unsalted butter with olive oil in equal amounts. The garlic and herb infusion works equally well with oil, creating a delicious pan sauce while keeping the dish gluten-free.