Herb Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort dish—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with savory garlic and herb flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Simple ingredients, but big on flavor.
- Versatile—pairs well with almost any side dish.
- Uses chicken thighs, which are naturally juicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley
- Garlic cloves
The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found below.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Step 2: Sear the Thighs
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Herb Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. Stir until the butter is melted and aromatic.
Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the chicken back in the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon the garlic butter over the thighs to coat them evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Pat the chicken dry: This ensures the skin gets crispy when seared.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic: The more garlic, the better the flavor!
- Use a cast-iron skillet: It transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a unique flavor profile.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the garlic butter for extra depth.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these chicken thighs with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a carb-friendly option, try pairing them with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, is an excellent pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to retain the crispy skin, or microwave in short intervals for convenience.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on the crispy skin. Reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
Q3: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Q4: Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
Absolutely! After searing the chicken, lower the heat and cover the skillet to finish cooking.
Conclusion
Herb Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. With its golden skin, juicy meat, and rich, buttery sauce, it’s hard to resist. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Print
Herb Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic herb butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5–7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3–5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley, cooking for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- If using chicken broth, pour it into the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine and Cook:
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and spoon the garlic herb butter sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate and drizzle with the garlic herb butter sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a crispy finish, broil the chicken thighs in the oven for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg