If you love rich, garlicky flavors with a buttery finish, garlic butter chicken thighs will quickly become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and an irresistible garlic butter sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this one-pan chicken recipe delivers perfection every time.
Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best garlic butter chicken thighs with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Crispy Skin – Thanks to searing chicken for crispy skin before baking.
Juicy & Tender – The garlic-infused butter marinade locks in moisture.
One-Pan Convenience – Minimal dishes and easy cleanup.
Full of Flavor – A balance of garlic, herbs, and butter makes this dish irresistible.
Customizable – Works great with bone-in chicken thighs or boneless, skinless thighs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple weeknight chicken dinner comes together with pantry staples.
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (for a pop of color)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for a homemade garlic butter sauce)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
- ¼ cup chicken stock (or white wine for depth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pro Tip: Add 1 tsp honey for a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken Thighs
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this step is key for crispy skin!).
- Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear for That Golden Crust
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (don’t let it burn!).
- Pour in chicken stock and scrape up the brown bits from the pan.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and lemon juice (if using).
4. Bake Until Juicy Perfection
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up.
- Spoon some garlic butter sauce over the top.
- Transfer to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 30-40 minutes (until internal temp hits 165°F).
5. Baste and Serve
- Once done, spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This is where the magic happens! The buttery roasted chicken absorbs all that garlic herb butter sauce, making every bite incredibly delicious.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Preheat your oven – A hot oven ensures crispy skin and even cooking.
Use fresh garlic – It enhances flavor compared to garlic powder.
Check doneness with a thermometer – Chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C) but stays juicier at 170-175°F.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Pan-seared chicken thighs brown best when spaced apart.
Let it rest – Resting keeps the juices inside the meat instead of leaking out.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear the chicken in a skillet first for crispy skin (optional).
- Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Stovetop-Only Method
- Follow the searing steps, then cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Uncover and let the skin crisp up again before serving.
Slow Cooker Option
- Sear the chicken first, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
This garlic butter chicken thighs recipe pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides:
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate creamy pairing.
Roasted Green Beans with Garlic – A healthy side dish for chicken.
Garlic Butter Rice – A buttery, flavorful base for the chicken.
Garden Salad with Lemon Dressing – A fresh contrast to the rich chicken.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes! They cook faster – bake for 25-30 minutes instead of 40.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Don’t overbake! Use a thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for ghee or olive oil.
What’s the best way to marinate chicken thighs?
This recipe doesn’t require marination, but if you want, marinate for 2-4 hours in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
Customization & Variations
One of the best things about garlic butter chicken thighs is how versatile they are. Whether you love a spicy kick, a hint of citrus, or a sweet-savory balance, here are some easy ways to make this recipe your own.
Spicy Version
- Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Drizzle with hot honey before serving for a sweet heat.
Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
- Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and an extra 1 tbsp lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or oregano on top for brightness.
Honey Dijon Glaze
- Mix 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp Dijon mustard into the garlic butter sauce.
- This creates a sweet-savory finish with extra depth of flavor.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
- Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce after baking.
- This makes a rich, velvety pan sauce that’s perfect over pasta or rice.
Pro Tip: No matter how you customize this dish, always keep the searing and basting steps in place for the best results!
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your macros or just want to know what’s on your plate, here’s a breakdown of the average nutrition per serving:
Per Serving (1 Chicken Thigh + Sauce)
- Calories: ~214–334 kcal
- Protein: ~15–20g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~1–3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: ~320mg
Keto-Friendly? Yes! With almost zero carbs, this recipe is perfect for a low-carb meal.
Want a lower-fat option? Swap butter for ghee and use skinless chicken thighs.
Need extra protein? Serve with a side of quinoa or lentils.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Wondering what to serve with garlic butter chicken thighs? There are so many ways to build a complete, satisfying meal.
Comfort Food Pairings
- Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Rich, creamy, and the perfect sidekick.
- Garlic Butter Rice – A buttery, flavorful base that soaks up the sauce.
- Creamy Parmesan Orzo – A quick pasta dish that complements the garlic herb butter sauce beautifully.
Healthy & Light Sides
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic – Adds crunch and contrast.
- Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Butter – A fresh, zesty balance to the garlic butter chicken thighs.
- Garden Salad with Lemon Dressing – If you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
Hosting a dinner? Serve with a crusty baguette for dipping into the garlic butter sauce!
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
If you love meal prepping, you’ll be happy to know that garlic butter chicken thighs store and reheat beautifully. Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little extra butter.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes for crispy skin.
- ❌ Avoid microwaving – It can make the skin soggy.
Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes! They cook faster – bake for 25-30 minutes instead of 40.
What’s the best butter to use?
Unsalted grass-fed butter has the best flavor, but any high-quality butter works!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for ghee or olive oil.
Can I marinate the chicken in advance?
While not required, you can marinate the thighs in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 2-4 hours for extra depth.
What’s the secret to juicy chicken thighs?
- Searing first locks in moisture.
- Baking at 400°F cooks evenly without drying out.
- Letting the meat rest keeps the juices inside.
Final Thoughts: Time to Cook!
By now, you’re ready to make the most delicious garlic butter chicken thighs ever. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the customizations, you’re guaranteed a juicy, crispy, and flavor-packed meal every time.
Let’s recap:
Crispy skin? Check.
Garlic butter sauce? Check.
Easy one-pan cleanup? Double-check.
Love flavorful chicken? Try this: Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken
Obsessed with garlic butter? Check out these: Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs
Now, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Don’t forget to save and print the full recipe below.