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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter

crispy baked chicken thighs - featured image
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This easy recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken thighs with juicy meat, infused with a rich garlic herb butter and bright lemon flavor. Perfect for quick, fuss-free dinners that feel special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
  • Chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme and parsley, lemon zest, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  4. Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  5. Spread half of the garlic herb butter under the skin of each thigh using a spoon or brush.
  6. Place the thighs skin-side down in a cast iron skillet or baking sheet. Let them sear for about 8 minutes without moving until edges start to crisp and brown.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up. Spread the remaining garlic herb butter over the skin and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the thighs.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep the meat juicy.
  10. Serve with a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is essential for crispiness. If skin isn’t crispy enough after baking, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy skin. Rest chicken after baking for juicy meat. Reheat leftovers in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, garlic herb butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, lemon chicken, oven baked chicken, gluten-free chicken, quick dinner

Find it online: https://morselora.com/crispy-baked-chicken-thighs-with-garlic-herb-butter-easy-recipe/