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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs: Best Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

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Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs with shattering crispy skin, basted with a rich garlic herb butter. This quick and easy weeknight dinner is flavorful, forgiving, and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (olive or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it fully preheat for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until combined into a paste.
  4. Gently slide fingers under the skin of each thigh to create a pocket without tearing the skin.
  5. Push half of the herb butter under the skin, spreading it over the meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  6. Arrange chicken skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until skin is deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Do not move chicken for the first 20 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or ghee. Chicken thighs can be cooked to 175°F for extra tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken, garlic herb butter, chicken thighs, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free

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