Prepare to embark on a flavor-filled adventure with this Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs recipe! Infused with a mouthwatering blend of garlic, herbs, and a luxurious butter sauce, these crispy-skinned chicken thighs are a true delight for the senses. Get ready to create a dish that will have your family and friends raving about your culinary prowess.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the irresistible flavors of garlic, herbs, and a rich, velvety butter sauce. The crispy skin adds a delightful texture that contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender meat. It’s a cozy and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, the easy-to-follow, chef-tested steps ensure reliable results every time, making it the perfect dish for both seasoned home cooks and those new to the kitchen.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple, yet flavorful list of ingredients that come together to create a truly epic dish. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, unsalted butter, fresh garlic, fragrant herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, as well as a few pantry staples like salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute with a mix of your favorite fresh or dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil, sage)
- Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred, but adjust the cooking time accordingly
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
Follow these easy, chef-tested steps for perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken thighs every time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and generously seasoning them with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs, then set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the thighs and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the chicken thighs to a plate. Add the garlic herb butter to the hot pan and let it melt, then use a spoon to baste the chicken with the flavored butter. Serve the Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Lemon Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic herb butter.
- Herb Blend: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Indulgent Pairing: To make this dish even more indulgent, consider serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice.
- Crispy Skin: To ensure the skin is perfectly crispy, be sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking. Additionally, make sure to cook the chicken skin-side down first, allowing the fat to render and the skin to get a nice golden-brown sear.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs dish is best served hot, straight from the oven. The crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the garlic herb butter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of, simply reheat the chicken and baste it with the prepared butter.
Nutrition Information
This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 25 grams of fat, making it a well-rounded choice for a wholesome, family-friendly dinner.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as the skin-on, bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
While chicken breasts can be used, the recipe is specifically designed for chicken thighs, which tend to be more juicy and flavorful. The cooking time and technique may need to be modified if using chicken breasts.
How can I make the skin extra crispy?
To ensure the skin is perfectly crispy, be sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking. Additionally, make sure to cook the chicken skin-side down first, allowing the fat to render and the skin to get a nice golden-brown sear.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic herb butter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of, simply reheat the chicken and baste it with the prepared butter.
What should I serve with this Garlic Herb Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables. The rich, flavorful sauce also complements creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice perfectly.
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Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy and flavorful chicken thighs seared to perfection with a garlic herb butter that adds a rich taste to your meal. Perfect for dinner!
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken thighs over and add the butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet.
5. Spoon the melted butter over the chicken and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
Serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic, herb, butter, crispy skin