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Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs

garlic butter baked chicken thighs - featured image

These garlic butter baked chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With crispy golden skin and a rich, garlicky butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 68) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 56 large cloves garlic, freshly minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 2 teaspoons fresh herbs)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim excess fat if desired.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Gently loosen the skin of each chicken thigh and spread about 1 teaspoon of the garlic butter mixture under the skin. Rub any remaining butter over the tops of the thighs.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
  6. Bake on the center rack for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) and the skin is golden brown. If thighs are large, bake an extra 5-10 minutes. If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  7. For extra crispy skin, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  9. Spoon buttery pan juices over each thigh and serve.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Butter under the skin keeps the meat juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best browning. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Resting after baking keeps juices in the meat. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter or olive oil. Leftovers reheat well and the sauce is great over rice or veggies.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, baked chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, gluten-free, low carb, keto chicken, juicy chicken thighs