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    Home » Recipes » Main Courses

    Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Published: Sep 30, 2023 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 6 Comments

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    Garlic Chicken Thighs are easy to make and taste great. If you love garlic, these baked bone-in, skin on, chicken thighs are perfectly flavored with hints of garlic and butter. It's a simple chicken recipe that's big on flavor but easy to make.

    A white plate with a cooked piece of garlic chicken thigh and carrots on it ready to eat.

    If you are a follower of the blog you know that chicken thighs are our favorite type of chicken.  We love chicken thighs because they are so full of flavor and an inexpensive option for meals.

    This is a basic recipe that you can easily adapt for your family.  It calls for just the right amount of garlic that adds flavor but doesn't over power the dish.

    As the chicken cooks, the butter under the skin melts and all of the delicious flavor seeps into the meat.  The bone helps keep the chicken moist and oh so tasty! It's a mouthwatering dinner option that can be served with a variety of side dishes.

    Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or someone who simply enjoys trying new and delicious recipes, this garlic chicken thigh dish is the perfect choice for you.

    For more variations on this garlic butter chicken thighs try my balsamic raspberry garlic chicken and garlic lemon pepper chicken thighs! You won't be disappointed.

    Why You Will Love Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

    • Perfect for busy weeknights, with just a few simple steps you can whip up this garlic chicken in no time.
    • You only need a few ingredients to create this flavorful dish, making it budget-friendly.
    • The cooking method ensures that the chicken thighs remain moist, juicy and tender on the inside while keeping the outside crispy.
    • These chicken thighs are so versatile and can be served with everything making them perfect for any day of the week.
    • If you're a garlic lover, this dish is perfect for you.

    Ingredients

    With these ingredients in hand, you're well on your way to creating a mouthwatering garlic chicken thighs that are sure to impress.

    All the ingredients needed to make this garlic roasted chicken thighs.
    • Chicken Thighs: The star of this dish is the chicken thighs. For the best results use skin-on and bone-in thighs.
    • Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for a more intense flavor.
    • Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt content in your dish and bring out the rich, creamy flavors. If using salted butter omit the salt.
    • Salt and Pepper: The best flavor enhancers that complement the garlic.

    See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Adding some of these optional ingredients can elevate your garlic roasted chicken thighs to the next level.

    • Olive Oil: A quality olive oil will help seal in the chicken's juices while cooking instead of butter.
    • Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
    • Sugar or Honey: For a touch of sweetness, include a bit of sugar or honey to balance the savory taste of garlic.
    • Add Herbs: Consider making your dish more flavorful by adding herbs to your garlic chicken rub like parsley, cilantro, tarragon, sage, basil or Italian seasoning. You can use fresh or dried.
    • Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice will bring a zesty quality and lighten up the flavors.
    • Use Bone In Skin On Chicken Breasts: Prepare in the exact same way and bake for 45-55 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.

    How to Make Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs

    This recipe requires few ingredients and could not be easier.

    1. Mix together the garlic chicken rub by combining the butter, garlic, and a half teaspoon of salt.

    PRO TIP: If you're adding any other spices or herbs you can mix it into the butter in this step.

    1. Gently separate the skin from the thigh to make a pocket. You don't want to remove it completely from the corners. Place the butter mixture under the skin on top of the thigh meat.
    All the ingredients needed to make butter mixture in bowl.
    Chicken thigh with skin lifted with tongs and butter underneath with used spoon in front.
    1. Rub the skin on the top of each thigh with the remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides of the thigh.
    2. Place the chicken on a wire rack placed on top of a foiled wrapped baking sheet.
    Closeup of chicken thigh covered in butter ready to go on pan.
    Pan ready to go in oven with prepared chicken thighs.
    1. Bake the chicken in the oven for 40–45 minutes or until juices run clear.
    2. Serve it up with your favorite sides for chicken.
    A rimmed baking sheet covered in foil and a rack with 8 cooked garlic chicken thighs on top.
    A plate full of 8 cooked chicken thighs.

    ⭐️ Hint: Use fresh garlic if possible for best flavor but if unavailable use pre-minced, jarred, garlic flakes or garlic powder instead.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our Easy Chicken Adobo With Coconut Milk, Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe, Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs or our Easy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe. This recipe also pairs well with our Sweet Chili Bacon Wrapped Shrimp dish.

    Closeup of garlic roasted chicken thigh on plate with carrots and a bite missing.

    Storage

    By following these simple steps you will be able to enjoy garlic roast chicken thighs whenever you please.

    • Refrigerate: Wait for your chicken thighs to cool to room temperature and store them in a shallow, airtight container. You can also use resealable plastic bags if you don't have a suitable container and make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags. Store for up to three days.
    • Freeze: Place them on a parchment-covered baking sheet, ensuring that the pieces aren't touching one another and place in the freezer. Allow the chicken thighs to freeze for a few hours so that they are fully solid.

      After the chicken thighs have become fully frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe plastic bag. Be sure to remove any excess air from the bag and seal it closed. Store for up to three months.
    • Reheat: If frozen, thaw them out in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Be sure to place them on top of a plate or bowl to catch any juices that may leak out. Preheat your oven to 350°F and use a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet to reheat for best results.

      Let the thighs rest at room temperature before cooking. Allowing the chicken to sit on the counter for a few minutes helps take off the chill, ensuring that it heats evenly once inside the oven.

      Moisture is key to reheating chicken without drying it out. Add a little chicken broth or water to the rimmed baking sheet to keep thighs juicy. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in the moisture and prevent overcooking.

      Bake the chicken thighs for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don't forget to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly heated and safe to eat.
    Closeup of plate of baked bone in skin on chicken thighs.

    What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Garlic chicken thighs are versatile enough to pair well with a variety of side dishes.

    • Veggies: Consider serving your garlic roasted chicken with this vegetable casserole, broiled asparagus, sauteed cauliflower, slow cooker corn on the cob, bang bang cauliflower, or this cold asparagus salad
    • Potatoes: There are lots of options but this creole smoked potato salad works well or you might enjoy a mashed potato casserole, air fryer baby potatoes, or cheesy scalloped potatoes.
    • Sweet Potatoes: These also go great and my family loves this sweet potato sheet pan or smoked sweet potatoes.
    • Salads: If a salad is more your thing, you might enjoy this easy mixed greens salad or bell pepper salad.
    • Rice: Simple rice dishes go great too so try this easy coconut ginger rice or Instant Pot cheesy broccoli rice.

    If you're looking for ways to repurpose leftovers, debone and chop the chicken. Then serve it over a fresh green salad with your favorite dressing or use it to make a sandwich with some lettuce, tomato, and a mayo.

    Tips

    A couple tips to make sure your chicken turns out great.

    • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic cloves add the best flavor to your dish, compared to pre-minced, jarred, garlic flakes or garlic powder.
    • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken thighs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
    • Cook on a Wire Rack. This ensures a crispier baked chicken and don't forget to line the pan underneath to make for easy cleanup.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about baked garlic chicken thighs? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about them.

    Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that they will need longer a cooking time so use your meat thermometer to be sure they're cooked to 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

    Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

    Absolutely, fresh herbs will add a burst of flavor to your dish. Simply chop fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, sage and rosemary, and mix them with them with your garlic butter before cooking.

    How long should I cook the chicken thighs?

    Generally, bake chicken thighs at 425°F (220°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the meat.

    Closeup of plate full of garlic chicken thighs.

    Video

    YouTube video

    Other Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes to Try

    Do you like chicken thighs? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Cooked crispy chicken thighs cooling on a wire rack
      Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
    • Parmesan Chicken Thighs
    • Honey Lemon Soy Chicken Thighs
    • Bacon chicken thighs on a cutting board ready to eat.
      Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Garlic chicken thigh on a white plate with carrots.

    Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Karin and Ken
    Garlic Chicken Thighs are easy to make and taste great. If you love garlic, these baked bone-in, skin on, chicken thighs are perfectly flavored with hints of garlic and butter. It's a simple chicken recipe that's big on flavor but easy to make.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 334 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • rimmed baking sheet
    • rack
    • Aluminum foil for easy clean up
    • small bowl
    • Fork
    • small spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 bone-in, skin on, chicken thighs

    Garlic Chicken Rub

    • 2 tablespoon garlic, minced
    • 8 tablespoon butter, unsalted, room temperature
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon pepper

    Optional - Add One or Any Combination

    • 1 tablespoon tarragon, crushed
    • 1 tablespoon sage
    • 1 tablespoon basil
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to bake at 425°F.
    • Rinse chicken thighs under cold water and place on a rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Pat thighs dry with a paper towel.
    • Gently separate skin from thigh, without removing it completely from the corners. Try to create a kind of sealed pocket.

    Garlic Chicken Rub

    • In a small bowl, combine the butter, salt and pepper. Add garlic and any other herbs or other flavorings to the butter that you would like. Combine. I usually use a fork.
    • Gently lift skin to create a pocket to hold your butter mixture. Place garlic chicken rub or butter mixture under the skin, on top of the thigh meat. Using your finger or the back of a spoon, carefully spread the butter evenly under the skin of each thigh. Next, rub the skin of each thigh with remaining butter mixture or use olive oil if not enough butter mixture. Both work beautifully.
    • Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the thigh.
    • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until juices run clear.

    Video

    Notes

    Be sure to check the full post for ingredient options, serving suggestions, how to store leftovers, and much more.
    • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic cloves add the best flavor to your dish, compared to pre-minced, jarred, garlic flakes or garlic powder.
    • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken thighs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
    • Cook on a Wire Rack. This ensures a crispier baked chicken and don't forget to line the pan underneath to make for easy cleanup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 24gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 347mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 611IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword garlic chicken thighs, garlic roasted chicken thighs
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post was originally published March 2017. It has been updated with new images and content.

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    Comments

    1. Angela Little says

      October 29, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this today and I love it, added a few more herbs but it is on hit.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        October 30, 2020 at 6:23 pm

        I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know. You made my day. I’ve been making this easy recipe for so long! Glad I’m not the only one who enjoys it! I’m even curious what you added to it. I’m always grateful for suggestions too! All the best. Karin

    2. Anonymous says

      March 10, 2019 at 4:18 pm

      I’m making this this evening! I hope it comes out as good as yours!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 19, 2019 at 12:45 pm

        First I have to apologize for the delay in my response. It was unavoidable. So how did it turn out? I am a huge garlic fan and love these thighs. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I do! Take care and all the best. Karin

    3. Victoria says

      January 19, 2019 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! I recently went through the spice cabinet and wanted to use up some sage, this is the perfect way to!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 20, 2019 at 4:27 pm

        Well I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Periodically I clean out my cupboards and do the exact same thing too! Thank you for taking the time to let me know! All the best to you. Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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