Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

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This Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe features crispy, golden-brown skin with juicy, tender meat, all baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. It’s an easy, one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • ¼ cup chicken broth

For Garnishing:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-proof skillet.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional for Extra Crispiness)

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Transfer to the baking dish (skin-side up).

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
  2. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

  1. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  2. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
  2. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion & Tips

  • Extra Crispy Skin: Pat the chicken very dry before seasoning.
  • Want More Flavor? Marinate chicken in buttermilk or lemon juice for 1 hour before cooking.
  • Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
  • Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe is easy, flavorful, and incredibly juicy. Would you like side dish suggestions?

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