![- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish The main ingredients for garlic butter chicken thighs are simple yet powerful. The chicken thighs bring rich flavor and juicy texture. The skin crisps up beautifully when cooked right. The butter adds a creamy touch, while garlic provides a robust aroma. To boost the flavor, I add lemon zest and juice. The lemon brightens the dish and cuts through the richness. Thyme and rosemary add warmth and depth. These herbs balance the garlic and butter nicely. When it comes to seasoning, salt and black pepper are key. They enhance all the flavors in the dish. Fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. For the full recipe, check out my detailed instructions. You’ll love how easy it is to make this flavorful dinner delight! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. - Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Dry skin helps make it crispy. - Season both sides of the thighs with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This adds great flavor. - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Wait until it bubbles. - Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. This step helps to get a nice golden brown color. - Sear the thighs for 5-7 minutes. Look for a rich, golden brown skin. Flip them and cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Lower the heat back to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it around for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell great without burning. - Carefully pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary. Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts. This makes a yummy sauce. - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. - Once done, take the skillet out of the oven carefully. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. - Before you serve, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! To get that perfect crispy skin, start by drying the chicken well. Use paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is key because wet skin won’t crisp up. Next, focus on your searing technique. Heat your skillet until it's hot before adding the chicken. Sear skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes. This will create a golden, crunchy crust that you’ll love. To take your garlic butter chicken thighs to the next level, think about adding more herbs. Fresh thyme or oregano can give you a fragrant boost. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or smoked paprika. These will add warmth and depth to your dish. Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors to find what you enjoy most. When it comes to serving, pair your chicken thighs with simple sides. Steamed veggies or a fresh salad complement the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, consider mashed potatoes or rice. To make your dish look stunning, arrange the chicken on a platter. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top and add lemon wedges. A sprinkle of fresh parsley will brighten the plate. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken thighs with style! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken thighs for chicken breasts or drumsticks. Chicken breasts will cook faster, so keep an eye on them. Drumsticks maintain a juicy flavor and are fun to eat. If you want to try something different, substitute with turkey thighs. They have a rich taste and work well with the garlic butter sauce. To shake things up, try using different citrus fruits. Orange can add a sweet twist to your dish. Squeeze the juice and add the zest for a nice aroma. If you enjoy some spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. They will give the chicken a nice kick and wake up your taste buds. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free butter, as most brands are safe. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried. If you follow a Paleo diet, swap out the butter for coconut oil. This keeps the dish light while still being tasty and satisfying. After you finish your meal, let the chicken cool down. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. Store the container in the fridge. It will last up to three days. Avoid letting the chicken sit out for too long. To reheat, you have a few options. The oven works well; set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the chicken on a plate, cover it, and heat in short bursts. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If it feels dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can freeze the garlic butter chicken thighs. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped thighs in a freezer bag and seal tightly. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above to enjoy! Cook chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Bake them for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This ensures they are juicy and safe to eat. Remember, always use a meat thermometer for the best results. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster, so reduce the oven time to about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they still reach 165°F (75°C). This swap will still give you a tasty dish! Pair your garlic butter chicken thighs with simple sides. Consider serving them with: - Roasted vegetables - Creamy mashed potatoes - Steamed rice - Fresh green salad These sides will complement the rich flavors of the chicken nicely. You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the chicken, let it cool, then cover it tightly. You can store it for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C) again before serving. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! Store the cooked chicken in airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs throughout the week! For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. Making garlic butter chicken thighs is simple and delicious. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, butter, and garlic. You learned how to sear and bake for crispy skin. Remember to try different flavors and pair with tasty sides. Store leftovers properly and reheat for the best results. This dish is not just great for dinner; it’s also ideal for meal prep. Enjoy your cooking, and experiment with flavors that you love. Happy cooking!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/e42773b8-451c-4ac2-9281-588f16a764ee-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zest! This easy recipe will transform your dinner with juicy chicken thighs seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Fresh lemon zest adds a vibrant twist that your taste buds will love. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore this savory recipe and elevate your weeknight meals! Enjoy cooking!