These quick and easy baked garlic butter chicken thighs are made in one pan and perfect for busy weeknights. The skin is so crispy, the thighs are so juicy and tender, and they’re coated in the most delicious garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

These baked garlic butter chicken thighs are SO good! The chicken thighs are so juicy and tender that the meat just falls off the bone. The skin gets golden and crispy, and the garlic butter sauce is absolutely perfect. It’s so easy to make, and it’s always a hit with everyone who tries it. My little one loves it and will totally gobble up an entire piece.

The garlic butter sauce coats the chicken and it’s as delicious as it sounds. We’re making it with real butter and fresh garlic. The butter adds a rich, creamy flavor and the garlic gives the dish an irresistible flavor. We’re also adding some dried parsley to the mix. Feel free to use fresh parsley if you have it.

One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. Don’t have fresh garlic? Garlic powder will work. Prefer boneless chicken? Go for it. Just keep in mind that boneless, skinless chicken thighs might not be as juicy or flavorful, but they’ll still be delicious.

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Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: For this recipe, we are using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone and skin contribute to the flavor and help the chicken stay juicy during baking. Instead of chicken thighs, you could use chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer, just be sure to alter the cooking time accordingly and cook until it’s reached a safe internal temperature.

Olive Oil: I prefer olive oil to give the chicken a rich, deep flavor and help the skin become crispy during baking.

Butter: The base for our delicious garlic sauce, butter adds a creamy, rich flavor that elevates this dish to a gourmet level.

Garlic: Garlic is the star ingredient of this dish, providing a delicious aromatic and buttery flavor. Opt for fresh garlic to get the best flavor.

Spices and Herbs: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and dried parsley is used to season the chicken. These classic spices enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and garlic, creating a dish that’s truly mouthwatering.

How To Bake Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs In The Oven

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel. Once they are dry, season them using salt and pepper. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)

Heat the Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up some olive oil. The skillet should be hot enough that when you place the chicken thighs skin side down, they sizzle on contact. 

Crisp the Skin: Allow the chicken thighs to cook skin side down in the hot oil until the skin becomes crispy. 

Create the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place them on a plate. Add the butter to the skillet. After the butter melts, add minced garlic and dried parsley, sautéing until they become aromatic. 

Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, this time skin side up. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175F on an instant read meat thermometer and has a deliciously crispy skin. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, and helpful tips, etc.

Pro Tips

• Pat Dry Your Chicken: Always remember to pat your chicken dry before seasoning and searing. This small step helps to get that deliciously crispy skin we all love. 
• Don’t Rush the Sear: When you’re searing the chicken, resist the urge to move them around in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed until the skin is crispy. This will give your chicken a beautiful golden color and incredible flavor, it also helps stop the skin from sticking to the skillet. 
• Use Fresh Herbs When You Can: While dried herbs work fine in a pinch, using fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor of your dish. Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary would all be fantastic in this recipe.
• Always Preheat Your Oven: Before you start cooking, make sure your oven is properly preheated. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and helps to achieve that perfect crispy skin. I like using an oven thermometer to double check that the oven is the correct temperature.
• Let Your Chicken Rest: After your chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful bite.

How Do You Make Chicken Skin Super Crispy?

Getting super crispy chicken skin is all about the sear. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before searing it in a hot skillet. Also, let the chicken cook undisturbed until the skin is crispy. If you try to move the chicken too soon the skin will stick to the skillet.

Is It Better To Bake Chicken Thighs At 350 Or 400?

For a crispier skin, I like baking chicken thighs at 400 degrees. This higher temperature helps the skin to brown and crisp up nicely. 

Should You Cover Chicken Thighs When Baking?

I like baking chicken thighs uncovered. Covering them can trap steam and prevent the skin from becoming crispy, which we definitely don’t want!

Can I Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They might not be as juicy or flavorful, but they will still be delicious. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter.

What Goes With Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides. Some of my favorites include seasoned rice, microwave baked potatoes, Crockpot green beans, a fresh apple walnut salad, or even a serving of Velveeta mac and cheese. 

Freezing And Storage Instructions

Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven until heated through.

Keep In Touch

I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime

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Chicken Recipes

While you’re here, be sure to check out all of our chicken thigh recipes! Some reader favorites are:

• Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
• Ranch Chicken Thighs
• Cranberry Chicken
• Southern Chicken Thighs and Rice
• Frozen Chicken Thighs Instant Pot

Try making these delicious baked garlic butter chicken thighs for an easy weeknight dinner!