Save There's something deeply satisfying about roasted chicken thighs with crispy, golden skin. This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe takes that classic comfort food to new heights with a rich, aromatic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and plenty of garlic. The skin crisps up beautifully in the high heat, while the meat stays incredibly juicy and tender. It's a simple yet elegant main dish that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but is easy enough for a weeknight.
Save The magic happens when the garlic butter mixture seeps under the chicken skin, basting the meat from the inside out while creating that irresistible crispy exterior. Fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme add layers of flavor that complement the natural richness of the chicken thighs.
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
- Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Make Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
- Mix Seasoning
- In another bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Season Chicken
- Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs, coating both sides.
- Arrange Chicken
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large oven-proof skillet or baking dish.
- Add Garlic Butter
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure some gets under the skin.
- Roast
- 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).
- Optional Broil
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Patting the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. Don't skip this step! Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the chicken in—this immediate high heat is what creates the beautiful golden crust.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute dried herbs—just use one-third of the amount. For a dairy-free version, simply replace the butter with olive oil. You can also adjust the spices to your taste, adding more paprika for extra smokiness or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Serviervorschläge
These garlic butter chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. The lemon wedges add a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter sauce.
Save This recipe yields 4 generous servings, with each serving providing 32 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbohydrates. It's naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying, low-carb meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs work well but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes. Bone-in thighs retain more moisture and flavor during roasting.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part. Juices should run clear when pierced.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before roasting.
- → What's the best way to get crispy skin?
Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning, arrange skin-side up, and avoid overcrowding. Broiling for the last 2-3 minutes enhances crispiness significantly.
- → What side dishes pair well with this?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad complement the rich garlic butter flavors beautifully. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While possible, thighs are preferred for their higher fat content which keeps them juicy. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.