Garlic Chicken Thighs

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.

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.

• 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.
4. Place the chicken on a wire rack placed on top of a foiled wrapped baking sheet.

5. Bake the chicken in the oven for 40–45 minutes or until juices run clear.
6. Serve it up with your favorite sides for chicken.

⭐️ 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.

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.

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, 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.

Video

Other Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes to Try

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

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

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