Print

Crispy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs Easy Tender Juicy Recipe

crispy garlic butter baked chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy meat by searing chicken thighs in garlic butter before baking. It’s a simple, comforting dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700 to 900 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Lemon zest from ½ lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and set the oven rack in the middle position.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  4. Melt the butter in a small pan or microwave. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped thyme or rosemary, and lemon zest if using. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Heat an oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic butter mixture and let it sizzle gently without burning.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear for 5 to 7 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to become deep golden brown and crispy. If garlic starts to burn, lower the heat or spoon some butter away from the pan’s edge.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs and spoon some garlic butter over the now-exposed skin side. Cook the other side for 2 minutes to develop color.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat feels tender.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Serve warm, spooning any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the thighs for extra richness.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is crucial for crispiness. Use moderate heat to avoid burning garlic. Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. For extra moistness, place a small oven-safe dish with water in the oven to create steam. Dairy-free option: substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken thighs, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/crispy-garlic-butter-baked-chicken-thighs-easy-tender-juicy-recipe/