Pin it Juicy chicken thighs roasted to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce with aromatic herbs—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. This recipe brings the comforting aromas of a gourmet kitchen into your home with minimal effort, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dinner table.
Pin it The key to this dish is the balance of aromatic rosemary and thyme, which infuses the butter as it melts over the chicken. By roasting at a high temperature, you lock in the juices while ensuring the skin reaches a beautiful golden brown that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Lemon wedges (optional for serving)
- Extra chopped parsley (optional for serving)
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
For the best results, use an oven-proof skillet or baking dish and ensure you have mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and tongs ready. Patting the chicken thighs completely dry is the secret to achieving truly crispy skin. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for food safety and perfect texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply substitute the butter with olive oil. You can also swap fresh herbs for dried ones; just remember to use one-third of the amount (e.g., 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of 1 tablespoon fresh). This recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Adding lemon wedges on the side provides a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Pin it At 390 calories and 32g of protein per serving, these Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are as nutritious as they are satisfying. Whether it is a weeknight meal or a weekend dinner, this American classic is sure to impress with its simple elegance and bold herb flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure crispy chicken skin?
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning, as moisture prevents browning. Arrange them skin-side up in the pan and roast at 220°C (425°F). For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- → Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes since breasts cook faster than thighs. Check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) before serving.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes pair beautifully. Mashed potatoes or rice also work well to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with extra virgin olive oil in the same quantity. The garlic and herbs will still create a delicious, fragrant coating on the chicken.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or enjoy cold in salads.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Season and butter the chicken up to 4 hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.