Garlic Butter Herb Chicken Thighs

$- Chicken thighs and butter requirements - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - Garlic and herb specifications - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Spices and garnishment details - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both rich and flavorful. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base. The butter adds a creamy texture. Garlic brings a punch of aroma. Thyme and rosemary lend earthy notes. Smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth. This mix of flavors makes each bite special. As you gather these ingredients, think about how they blend. The butter will melt into the chicken, creating a lovely sauce. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the dish. Lemon wedges will enhance the flavors when served. Use fresh herbs for the best taste. However, dried herbs work in a pinch. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. This recipe is about making it your own while keeping it simple and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the chicken cook evenly. 2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step keeps the skin crispy. 3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use enough to cover well. 4. In an oven-safe skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 5. Once the butter melts, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. 6. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. Stir well to mix the herbs into the butter. 7. Increase the heat to medium-high. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the butter mixture. 8. Sear for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown skin before flipping. 1. After searing, flip the chicken thighs over. Spoon some garlic butter over the top. 2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes. 3. Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. 4. Remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. 5. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty touch. - Best practices for seasoning chicken: Always start by patting the chicken thighs dry. This helps the skin get crispy. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The paprika adds a nice smoky flavor that enhances the dish. - Optimal ways to achieve crispy skin: Searing the chicken thighs skin-side down in hot garlic butter is key. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes without moving them. This will create a golden crust. The higher heat helps render the fat from the skin, making it crispy. - Importance of resting chicken after cooking: Letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking is essential. This allows the juices to redistribute. If you cut into it too soon, the juices will run out, and the chicken will be dry. - Ideas for side dishes to pair with the chicken: Garlic butter herb chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. - Plating and presentation tips for an appealing dish: Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board or a large platter. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and makes the dish look inviting. Pro Tips Pat Dry for Crispiness: Ensure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a beautifully crispy skin when searing. Don't Rush the Sear: Allow the chicken thighs to sear undisturbed for the full 5-7 minutes. This locks in moisture and creates a golden-brown crust. Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Resting is Key: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavors in this dish. Try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried ones. Fresh herbs add a bright taste. You can also use Italian herbs for a different twist. Mix in basil or oregano for a unique flavor. If you want to swap out the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too. They cook faster and stay juicy. Chicken breasts are another option, but keep in mind they may dry out quicker. You have options for cooking the chicken thighs. Grilling them adds a smoky flavor. To grill, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mix before cooking. Grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking in the oven is another great choice. It keeps the chicken moist and allows the skin to crisp up. Just follow the steps in the recipe for an easy bake. For a quicker meal, use an Instant Pot. Season the chicken and place it in the pot with the garlic butter. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let it naturally release. This method saves time while keeping the chicken tender and tasty. To keep your garlic butter herb chicken thighs fresh, store them properly. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and odors out. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze them. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This extra step prevents freezer burn. When you want to reheat, do it gently. Use the oven set at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Cover the chicken with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want to warm it, not dry it out. In the fridge, your garlic butter herb chicken thighs last about 3 to 4 days. After that, they may not be safe to eat. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for off smells, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If any of these signs appear, toss the chicken. Better safe than sorry! What is the best way to know when chicken is fully cooked? The best way to check chicken doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. This method is reliable and ensures juicy chicken. Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Make sure to adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Cook them until they reach 165°F (75°C) but check them earlier, about 20-25 minutes. What should I serve with garlic butter herb chicken thighs? This dish pairs well with many sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement the rich flavors. For a simple option, serve it with rice or quinoa to soak up the garlic butter sauce. How to adjust the spices for different flavor profiles? You can modify the spices to match your taste. For a kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. If you prefer a fresh taste, try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Experiment to find what you love. Can this dish be made ahead of time? If so, how? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or skillet, adding a little butter to keep it moist. This blog post shared how to make delicious garlic butter herb chicken thighs. We went over the key ingredients, from chicken thighs to spices. You learned easy steps for prepping and cooking the chicken. I offered tips for seasoning and achieving that crispy skin. I also shared serving ideas and ways to adapt the recipe. Finally, we covered storage and answered common questions. Cooking can be simple and fun. Now, you can enjoy tasty meals and impress your friends!$

Garlic Butter Herb Chicken Thighs

Deliciously seasoned chicken thighs cooked in garlic butter with herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
as needed lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and slightly golden.
Add the dried thyme and rosemary to the skillet, stirring to combine and infuse the butter with the herbs.
Increase the heat to medium-high and place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the butter mixture. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown.
Flip the chicken thighs over, spooning some of the garlic butter over the top, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken thighs and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden board or a large platter, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a touch of color and freshness.

Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, herbs