Go Back
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on) - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 6 cloves garlic, minced The main stars of this dish are the chicken thighs. Using bone-in and skin-on thighs keeps the meat juicy. The unsalted butter adds rich flavor, while minced garlic gives it that delicious aroma. - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh herbs make this dish shine. Rosemary and thyme add depth to the flavor. A pinch of salt and pepper helps bring everything together. - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with freshness. Red pepper flakes can spice things up, but they are optional. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor as a garnish. You can find the full recipe in the article. Enjoy cooking! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This garlic butter mixture gives the chicken a rich flavor. Make sure to blend it well. - Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin-side up. - Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, coating each piece. - Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes. The skin should turn golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature must reach 165°F (75°C). This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken. - For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. - Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. These finishing touches make your dish look and taste great! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To keep your chicken thighs juicy, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This step makes sure your chicken is safe to eat and retains moisture. After baking, let your chicken rest for five minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful. Want to elevate the taste? Consider adding more fresh herbs. Try thyme, oregano, or even basil for a new twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Just a pinch can add a lovely kick! Serve your chicken thighs with sides like roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. Pairing them with a fresh salad adds color and crunch. For a beautiful finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. A little sprinkle of lemon zest can also enhance the dish's appeal. Remember, people eat with their eyes first! Make it look as good as it tastes. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can grill garlic butter chicken thighs for a smoky flavor. Just marinate the thighs in the garlic butter mix before grilling. Cook them over medium heat until they reach 165°F. This method adds a nice char and keeps the meat juicy. Using a slow cooker is another great option. Combine the garlic butter mix and chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The meat will be very tender and soak up all the flavors. If you want to switch things up, try other proteins. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts work well. For a lighter option, use turkey thighs. They still get juicy with garlic butter. You can even use pork chops or fish for a twist. Change the herbs and spices to fit your taste. Try using oregano or basil for a different taste. Fresh parsley or cilantro can add a fresh kick. You can also switch the butter. Use herb-infused butter for added flavor. Adding citrus or herb marinades can give your chicken a fresh twist. Marinade the chicken in lemon juice and zest for a bright flavor. You can also use orange or lime juice. These flavors pair well with garlic and butter. Experiment with different types of butters, such as garlic herb butter. This adds a new layer of taste. You can also combine garlic butter with chili butter for heat. Mix and match to create your perfect flavor! Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on making these garlic butter baked chicken thighs. Store leftover garlic butter baked chicken thighs in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. You can freeze garlic butter chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To keep the best quality, remove as much air as possible from the bag. When it's time to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for best results. To reheat without drying out, the oven is your best bet. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. If you prefer the microwave, use a lower power setting. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. This keeps the chicken moist. Bake chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F. The skin should look golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The inside should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking. This helps keep it juicy. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. Thighs have more fat, which makes them juicier. Breasts cook faster but might dry out if overcooked. Choose thighs for flavor and moisture. Choose breasts for a lighter meal. Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots. A side of mashed potatoes works well too. Consider a fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance. Rice or quinoa adds a nice touch. Garlic bread is also a delicious option. You can prepare the garlic butter mixture a day before. Coat the chicken thighs and store them in the fridge. Let them marinate for a few hours or overnight. Bake the chicken thighs when you’re ready to eat. This saves time and boosts flavor. Yes, garlic butter baked chicken thighs are great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to four days. When reheating, use the oven to keep them crispy. You can also microwave them, but watch the time. Garlic butter baked chicken thighs combine rich flavors with easy steps. You learned about the best ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods. Hopefully, you now feel ready to make this dish shine in your kitchen. Don’t forget tips for juicy thighs and creative flavor variations. Whether grilling or slow cooking, you can adjust this recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy making it your own. With a bit of care, you’ll serve a meal that delights everyone.

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs, a dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich garlic and herb sauce. This easy recipe takes just 50 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Learn how to create crispy skin and flavorful juicy meat with just a handful of ingredients. Click through for step-by-step instructions and elevate your dinner tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lemon, zested and juiced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

      Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish, skin-side up. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated.

        Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

          For an extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.

            Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4