Save There's something truly magical about the aroma of garlic butter wafting through the kitchen as chicken roasts to golden perfection. These Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs deliver everything you could want in a comforting dinner—crispy, seasoned skin giving way to succulent, tender meat infused with the rich flavors of melted butter and aromatic herbs. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family meal or hosting friends, this recipe promises to impress with its simple preparation and outstanding results.
Save The secret lies in the two-step seasoning process—first, a dry rub of paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder creates a flavorful base, then a generous coating of garlic butter mixture locks in moisture and adds layers of savory goodness. The high oven temperature ensures that signature crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly tender.
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
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Step 2
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
- Step 3
- In another bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Step 4
- Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs, coating both sides.
- Step 5
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large oven-proof skillet or baking dish.
- Step 6
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure some gets under the skin.
- Step 7
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Step 8
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Step 9
- Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry before seasoning—this step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy skin. For maximum flavor, try to get some of the garlic butter mixture underneath the skin directly onto the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking; 165°F (75°C) is the safe internal temperature for chicken.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute fresh herbs with dried if needed (use 1/3 the amount). For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter. You can also add other herbs like oregano or sage, or spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend.
Serviervorschläge
Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. The pan juices make an excellent sauce to drizzle over the chicken and sides. Fresh lemon wedges add a bright acidity that cuts through the rich butter sauce.
Save Each serving delivers 390 calories with 32 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal that's perfect for any night of the week. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and aromatic garlic butter creates a dining experience that's sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure the chicken skin is crispy?
Pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning and roast at a high temperature. Finishing with a short broil enhances crispiness.
- → Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, substitute fresh herbs with dried at one-third the amount for similar aromatic results.
- → Is it necessary to get the butter mixture under the skin?
Applying garlic butter under the skin helps infuse flavor directly into the meat and keeps it moist during roasting.
- → What sides complement these chicken thighs?
Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes pair well to balance the rich garlic butter flavors.
- → Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute olive oil for butter to maintain moisture and flavor without dairy.