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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter

Juicy baked chicken thighs with crispy golden skin and simple garlic herb butter. An easy, flavorful dinner for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley thyme, or rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
  • Fresh herbs optional for serving

Equipment

  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice if using.
  4. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil.
  5. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  6. Spread the garlic herb butter over the chicken and gently under the skin if possible.
  7. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F.
  9. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end if you want extra crispy skin.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is the key to crispier skin. For extra crispiness, broil the chicken during the last 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it closely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and texture.