Follow this easy recipe for juicy baked chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This is a simple weeknight chicken dinner idea.
Author:charliehayes
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:40 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the dried chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the skin of each chicken thigh. You can gently rub some under the skin if you prefer, but focus on coating the top surface.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven. If using, drizzle with lemon juice. Let the chicken rest on the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately as a flavorful chicken thigh recipe.
Notes
For the crispiest skin, ensure the chicken thighs are very dry before seasoning. You can place them uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours to dry the skin further.
If you are using boneless skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature is reached.
This recipe works well for meal prep; store cooked thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.