Crispy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
This recipe delivers irresistibly crispy skin with juicy, buttery, and garlicky chicken thighs baked to perfection. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners or last-minute meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Gently loosen the skin of each thigh without tearing it.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, sliced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme; mix well.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly under the skin of each chicken thigh.
- Rub olive oil over the outside of the skin.
- Place the thighs skin-side up in a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking halfway through for excessive browning; tent with foil if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. If garlic browns too quickly, cover with foil during last 10 minutes. Baste once halfway through baking for extra flavor. Let chicken rest after baking to keep meat juicy. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness; reheat in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 25
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