Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
8 Servings
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Calories
522 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
Description
This recipe involves melting unsalted butter, then mixing in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful butter sauce. Chicken thighs are patted dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring the skin crisps during baking. The thighs are laid in a single layer and evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture to infuse rich, herbaceous flavors.
Baking starts at 375 degrees F for 40 minutes which allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb the seasonings. After basting the thighs with their own juices, the oven temperature is increased to 425 degrees F to brown and crisp the skin, creating a satisfying texture contrast between juicy meat and crispy skin.
These baked chicken thighs serve well alongside a range of sides such as vegetables or potatoes, offering a filling and flavorful main course. The garlic butter and herbs contribute fragrant depth without overpowering the poultry’s natural flavor.
Variations include substituting Italian seasoning with packaged dried herbs or using a cup of fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and oregano as an alternative. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to a week, making them practical for meal prep or quick future meals.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 pounds chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter unsalted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Microwave the stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl until melted (about 30-60 seconds).
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sea salt and black pepper until the ingredients are well combined to make the garlic butter sauce.
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat the thighs dry using a paper towel if there is any excess liquid.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a large casserole dish or baking dish in a single layer.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the thighs, spreading it so that the full surface of the skin is coated with garlic butter herb mixture. Note: if you like salty food like me, sprinkle some sea salt over the chicken either before or after dousing the thighs with the butter mixture.
- Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the juices over the thighs (baste the chicken). Turn the heat up to 425 degrees F and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes for crispy chicken skin, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and reaches your desired level of crisp. For even crispier skin, move the oven rack to the shelf that’s third from the top (if it isn’t there already) and broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the chicken skin is extra crispy.
- Chicken thighs are considered fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F; however, I find the taste and texture is best when they are cooked to 180 degrees or higher. Unlike chicken breasts, bone-in thighs have superior texture when they are cooked slightly longer. Nevertheless, feel free to cook the thighs to your desired doneness, provided the internal temperature is 165 or over. To check the temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and wait until the numbers stop moving to get an accurate read.
- Serve garlic butter chicken thighs with your favorite sides and enjoy! Steamed or roasted veggies and white rice or brown rice are great options to soak up some of the sauce. I like to spoon the juices from the pan over rice. Serve with lemon slices so that you can drizzle fresh lemon juice over the tender chicken thighs if you'd like.
Notes
- Dried Italian seasoning can be substituted with 1 cup chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, and oregano for a fresher flavor.
- Pat chicken thighs dry before baking to ensure crispier skin.
- Store leftover cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 522 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1thigh (of 8) | |
| Calories | 522kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Cholesterol | 221mg | 74% |
| Sodium | 459mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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