Crispy, juicy garlic butter chicken thighs roasted to perfection, generously coated in a rich blend of melted butter, fragrant minced garlic, aromatic fresh thyme, and bright lemon zest.

Garlic butter chicken thighs in a large skillet with lemon and fresh thyme.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

For a simple, healthy dinner that's bursting with flavor, these garlic butter chicken thighs are a perfect choice. They're coated in a delicious mix of melted butter, fragrant garlic, fresh thyme, and bright lemon zest. Just like our honey Dijon mustard chicken, using bone-in thighs guarantees incredibly tender, juicy meat and extra-crispy skin. Here are a few more reasons why you will love this chicken thigh recipe:

This recipe is a one-pan wonder, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates an irresistibly savory-citrus balance. Plus, bone-in chicken thighs are a high-protein, budget-friendly option without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. From roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, this versatile meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect way to fill your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness.

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these amazing garlic butter chicken thighs:

Ingredients for skillet chicken thighs. Minced garlic, olive oil, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, chicken, thyme, lemon, and butter.

Ingredient Notes

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: For maximum juiciness and crispy chicken skin, use bone-in chicken thighs, seasoned with salt and black pepper.
Unsalted Butter: The melted butter adds a rich base that enhances all the other savory flavors.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil adds flavor and helps prevent the chicken skin from burning during roasting.
Minced Garlic: A pungent aroma and flavor enhancer.
Fresh Thyme: Finely chopped thyme adds texture and flavor.
Lemon: You'll use grated lemon zest in the garlic butter mixture, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, citrusy finish.
Chicken Broth: The chicken broth not only keeps the meat incredibly juicy while roasting but transforms into a rich, savory au jus at the bottom of the pan, perfect for spooning over the finished dish. Low-sodium broth or chicken stock is recommended.

Find the printable recipe card with full instructions and measurements below.

How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Follow these simple steps and you'll be rewarded with the most delicious garlic butter baked chicken thighs:

Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.

Step 1: Season the chicken. Allow the chicken thighs to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly. Then, pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel; removing excess moisture is crucial for crispy skin. Gently lift the skin and season the meat directly with salt and pepper. Finally, season the entire surface of the chicken thighs, front and back, with salt and pepper.

Chicken thighs in a black skillet with chicken broth.

Step 2: Coat the chicken in the garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Then, stir in the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh thyme until well combined. Spoon about a teaspoon of this flavorful mixture under the skin of each thigh, ensuring even distribution. Coat the front and back of the thighs with the remaining mixture. Brush the tops with the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth into a large skillet, and carefully place the chicken thighs skin side up in the skillet.

Roasted chicken thighs in a black skillet.

Step 3: Roast the chicken. Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F. Roast the chicken for 40 minutes, rotating the skillet halfway through for even cooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 170°F using a meat thermometer. Then, turn the broiler on high and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the skin is extra crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Garlic butter chicken thighs with lemon and fresh thyme.

Step 4: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Remove the skillet from the oven and squeeze the juice from half a lemon evenly over the chicken. Let the chicken rest in the skillet for ten minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, serve and enjoy.

Expert Tips

For Maximum Crispier Skin: As mentioned before, thoroughly patting the chicken dry with paper towels is paramount. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
For Enhanced Moisture: Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature for 30 minutes promotes even cooking and juicier meat.
For Enhanced Flavor: Season under the skin, not just the outside. Gently loosening and seasoning under the skin allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. And make sure to add

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of our favorite sides to pair with these tender chicken thighs:

Storage Instructions

Storage: Cooked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: The quickest way to reheat chicken thighs is in the microwave for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature each time, until heated through. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the chicken thighs in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. For crispy skin, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Freezer: Wrap the thighs individually in freezer paper or plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken thighs can be stored for up to 9-12 months. Thaw the chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight.

Side view of chicken in a black skillet with a piece of thyme on top surrounded by sliced lemons.

More Chicken Recipes You'll Love

Slow Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Fresh Thyme: Slow cooking a whole chicken in a cast iron skillet produces the most tender and flavorful chicken. This recipe uses fresh garlic, lemon, thyme, ground fennel, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It's easy, impressive, and one the entire family will love.
Cranberry Roasted Chicken: One of our seasonal favorites. A complete meal made with herb-infused juicy chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, carrots, and fresh cranberries.
Baked Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Thighs: This flavorful chicken dish is coated in a homemade honey mustard sauce with garlic and fresh rosemary. Perfect for any busy weeknight or even meal prep, with little effort.

I hope you love this lemon garlic butter chicken thighs recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

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