If you’re craving a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, impressive, and utterly irresistible, Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are about to become your new go-to. Picture golden, ultra-crispy chicken skin giving way to juicy, tender meat, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that practically begs to be mopped up with bread. This recipe nails that balance of rich, savory flavor and weeknight simplicity, making it perfect for both special occasions and regular Tuesdays alike. You’ll be amazed at how a few humble ingredients transform into a show-stopping meal everyone will love.

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is chosen with care for maximum flavor and perfect texture. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it took all day—but is actually on the table in under an hour!

Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver the juiciest results and irresistibly crispy skin—don’t skip this for maximum flavor!
Olive oil: A little oil helps the chicken skin crisp up beautifully during the initial sear.
Unsalted butter: The heart and soul of the sauce; using unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the butter with a punchy, aromatic kick that defines this dish.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous color to the chicken skin.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a savory, herby backdrop to every bite.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and spices.
Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and sharpness to balance the richness.
Chopped fresh parsley: This bright garnish adds a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze of lemon lifts the entire dish with a hit of acidity—don’t skip it if you have lemons on hand!

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels—this is the secret to that super-crispy skin. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. This little bit of effort here sets the stage for big, bold flavors later on.

Step 2: Sear for Crispiness

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high. Once it shimmers, nestle the chicken thighs into the pan, skin-side down. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes—this is where the magic happens as the skin turns deeply golden and crispy. Flip them over and sear for another 2 minutes to lock in all those lovely juices.

Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium and drop in the unsalted butter and minced garlic. The butter will melt and mingle with the garlicky aroma, creating an irresistible sauce. Spoon the bubbling butter over the chicken a few times to start infusing the flavors—this is the “secret handshake” of Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs.

Step 4: Oven Roasting

It’s time for a hands-off finish. Slide the entire skillet into your preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The oven works its magic, turning the chicken meltingly tender while the butter and garlic soak into every bite.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, spoon some of that gorgeous garlic butter from the skillet over each thigh for extra flavor. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so all the juices redistribute. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if you like, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving—your Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are ready to wow!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a must for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra garlic cloves roasted in the pan can be scattered over the top. Lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add a bright, zesty touch to their own plate. These final flourishes might seem small, but they make the flavors sing and the presentation truly inviting.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs practically demand something to soak up that buttery sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or crusty bread all make perfect partners. For a lighter meal, pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad—think crisp green beans, asparagus, or even sautéed spinach. The beauty is how versatile this dish is with whatever you have on hand.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the chicken thighs family-style right from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel. Or, plate each thigh atop a bed of mashed potatoes or risotto and drizzle with extra garlic butter for a restaurant-worthy look. For a party, try slicing the chicken off the bone and serving on small toasts with a bit of sauce for a memorable appetizer—Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them ideal for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for busy nights, freeze the cooled chicken thighs (preferably without the skin to maintain best texture) in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to label with the date so you remember when you made them!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to re-crisp the skin, uncover for the last few minutes. You can also microwave in a pinch, though the oven preserves the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs work well, just reduce the roasting time by 5 to 7 minutes, as they cook faster than bone-in. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and a lovely texture.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken skin?

Patting the chicken dry is key, along with searing skin-side down in a hot skillet before roasting. Avoid overcrowding the pan, so each thigh gets that essential golden crispiness.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs dairy-free?

You can substitute a good dairy-free butter alternative for the unsalted butter. The results will still be delicious and rich, though you may notice a slightly different flavor profile.

Do I need to use an oven-safe skillet?

It’s highly recommended for convenience and best results! If you don’t have one, you can transfer the seared chicken (and all the pan juices) to a baking dish before roasting in the oven.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, not touching the bone. The juices should also run clear when pierced.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the simple combination of garlic, butter, and perfectly cooked chicken. If you’re looking for a meal that’s as easy as it is impressive, Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs should be at the top of your list. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a staple for family dinners and cozy nights in!

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin infused with rich garlic butter and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfectly seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish ideal for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes to develop flavor.
Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts, continuously spoon it over the chicken to coat it thoroughly and infuse the garlic flavor.
Roast in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken thighs. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Boneless thighs can be used as a substitute but reduce oven roasting time by 5–7 minutes to prevent drying out.
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop + Oven
Cuisine: American