Gather your friends and loved ones around the table for a delightful and effortless meal with this Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs on Sheet Pan recipe. Infused with the mouthwatering aromas of fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a rich, creamy butter sauce, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that brings people together with its irresistible flavors and easy-to-follow instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs on Sheet Pan
Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a luscious garlic herb butter sauce and roasted to perfection on a sheet pan, making this recipe a breeze to prepare. The bold, zesty flavors and the cozy, comforting aroma will transport you to a warm and inviting kitchen, where the simple pleasures of homemade cooking come alive. With minimal hands-on time and reliable results, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers big comfort and bold flavor.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a truly craveable dish. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star of the show, accompanied by a lush and indulgent garlic herb butter sauce. Aromatic garlic, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and a touch of lemon juice help to brighten the flavors and create a delightfully well-rounded meal.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the juiciest and most flavorful cut
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – the creamy base for the sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – for that irresistible garlicky aroma
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped – adds earthy, herbaceous notes
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped – complements the thyme beautifully
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the flavors
- 1 teaspoon salt – to season the chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – to add a subtle heat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Substitute the butter with a high-quality olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free version.
- Milder flavor: Reduce the amount of garlic used if you prefer a more subtle garlic taste.
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs on Sheet Pan
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with simple steps that deliver impressive results. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing a large sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme and rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful garlic herb butter sauce.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the chicken thighs on the prepared sheet pan and generously coat them with the garlic herb butter mixture, ensuring the skin is evenly coated. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Accompany the dish with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or a steaming pile of fluffy rice.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Browning the chicken: For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before transferring them to the sheet pan. This will create a beautiful sear on the skin and lock in the juices.
- Herb blend customization: Experiment with different herb blends, such as Italian seasoning or a Cajun spice mix, to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Saucy variation: If you prefer a saucier dish, reserve some of the garlic herb butter sauce and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving.
- Crispy skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or fluffy rice.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the chicken back in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the garlic herb butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken with the pre-made butter and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs on Sheet Pan recipe is a well-balanced and nutritious meal. Chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful protein source, while the butter and herbs add a delightful creaminess and depth of flavor. Paired with your choice of sides, this dish can be a part of a healthy, satisfying, and comforting meal.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are our preferred choice for their juicy, tender texture, you can easily substitute chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as chicken breasts may require slightly less time in the oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic herb butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken with the pre-made butter and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, you can certainly use dried herbs instead. However, keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so you may want to use a slightly smaller amount than the recipe calls for.
How can I make this recipe more keto-friendly?
To make this dish more keto-friendly, you can reduce or omit the amount of butter used and replace it with a high-quality olive oil or avocado oil. You can also serve the chicken thighs with low-carb sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the skin helps to keep the chicken moist and adds an extra layer of flavor. If using skinless thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time and baste the chicken more frequently to prevent it from drying out.
Try These Next
- Herb Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Skewers
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake
Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs on Sheet Pan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfectly roasted on a sheet pan with a blend of garlic and herbs, they are the ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 bone-in chicken thighs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, sliced
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs on a sheet pan and brush the garlic herb butter mixture over them.
4. Arrange lemon slices around the chicken on the sheet pan.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the garlic herb mixture for a few hours or overnight.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the sheet pan for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic, butter, sheet pan, easy dinner