Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful dinner that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The rich garlic butter sauce coats every bite, making it an irresistible dish for weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple yet incredibly flavorful. The chicken thighs come out perfectly golden and tender every time, and the garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory taste. It’s also a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes.
Flip the chicken and add the butter to the pan.
When melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven, spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
Serves: 5 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter option (reduce baking time to 20 minutes).
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty finish.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken before baking for a cheesy crust.
Substitute chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin crispy.
FAQs
How do I know when chicken thighs are done?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce the oven time to about 25 minutes to prevent drying out.
Should I cover the chicken while baking?
No, bake uncovered to achieve crispy skin.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but reduce the added salt slightly.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A cast-iron or oven-safe skillet works perfectly.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic after melting the butter and lower the heat slightly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can season and sear the chicken ahead, then bake when ready to serve.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
How do I keep the chicken skin crispy after reheating?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this dish brings restaurant-quality taste to your dinner table in under an hour.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. A flavorful one-pan dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:5 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown.
Flip the chicken, then add butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven, spoon garlic butter over the chicken, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
For boneless, skinless thighs, reduce baking time to around 20 minutes.
Use a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
Add lemon juice or Parmesan for extra flavor variations.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for best juiciness.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispy skin.
