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Crispy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic herb butter chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin, infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and rich butter. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 small lemon, zested and juiced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well blended.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down carefully. Press them slightly to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 7-8 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crisp.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs so skin-side is up. Spoon the prepared garlic herb butter evenly over each piece.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crisp skin. Avoid crowding the pan to prevent soggy skin. Use medium-high heat for searing and do not move chicken while searing to build crust. If butter browns too quickly, reduce heat. If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer chicken to a baking dish before oven finishing. Rest chicken before serving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, garlic herb butter chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, buttery chicken, herb chicken, weeknight dinner