Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a classic comfort dish elevated with rich, savory garlic butter and perfectly roasted to golden, crispy perfection.

The chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, infused with a garlicky, buttery marinade that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests or family gatherings.

The combination of browned chicken skin, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs creates a fragrant and mouthwatering aroma in your kitchen. Served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, this dish is a satisfying meal that’s simple yet elegant.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers juicy, tender chicken with minimal effort. The garlic butter marinade seeps into the meat, enhancing every bite with rich, savory flavor.

It’s the perfect combination of crispy skin and succulent meat, with a depth of flavor that comes from the roasted garlic and herbs. Every bite is comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a special treat.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin.
• Easy to prepare—just a quick marinade and oven roasting.
• Versatile—pairs well with vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
• Elegant and comforting—great for weeknights or dinner parties.
• Minimal cleanup—one baking sheet, one pan, simple prep.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~450 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
• ½ tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tsp fresh rosemary)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare garlic butter mixture with butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice.
3. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, then coat with garlic butter.
4. Place chicken on a baking tray and roast for 35–40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 – Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.

Step 2 – Prepare Garlic Butter

• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.

Step 3 – Prepare Chicken

• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
• Rub each piece with olive oil for extra crispiness.
• Spread garlic butter generously over each chicken thigh, ensuring it gets under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step 4 – Roast Chicken

• Arrange chicken thighs on the prepared baking tray, skin side up.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crisp.

Step 5 – Rest & Garnish

• Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a full meal.
• Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Dry the skin thoroughly to get crispy, golden skin.
• Butter under the skin ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Use fresh herbs for more aromatic flavor.
• Basting chicken with juices halfway through roasting adds extra flavor.
• Optional: squeeze fresh lemon juice over chicken before serving for brightness.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
• Lemon-Herb Version: Add zest of 1 lemon and extra thyme/rosemary.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken: After roasting, make a quick pan sauce with cream and butter.
• Honey-Garlic Variation: Add 1 tsp honey to the garlic butter for a slight sweetness.
• Skinless Chicken Option: Works well with boneless, skinless thighs; adjust cooking time to 25–30 minutes.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking tray or roasting pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl for garlic butter
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

FAQ

Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken with garlic butter a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Q: Can I make this on a grill?
Yes, grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally.

Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, though fresh garlic provides better flavor.

Q: Can I add vegetables to roast with the chicken?
Yes! Carrots, potatoes, or broccoli roast well alongside chicken.

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a simple yet indulgent dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with golden, crispy skin and rich, garlicky butter flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions, this recipe is easy to make but delivers restaurant-quality results. With its savory, aromatic flavors and versatility, this chicken dish is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.