Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Herb & Garlic Butter

Alright, let's dive into something proper tasty! ever crave that sunday roast feeling but need something quick? let's talk chicken thighs in oven .

Honestly, it's a game changer. we're talking juicy meat, crispy skin, and a flavour explosion that'll have your taste buds doing the tango.

Plus, it's way easier than battling a whole chicken.

Why You'll Love oven-roasted Chicken Thigh Recipe

Think classic comfort food meets simple weeknight dinner. this recipe is all about easy baked chicken thighs bursting with flavour.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs oven-roasted to perfection, infused with garlic and herbs. the secret? a fragrant garlic herb butter that elevates the whole experience.

This isn't just dinner; it's a mini celebration on a plate. it's all about those crispy skin chicken thighs , innit?

A Bit of Background

This oven-roasted chicken thigh recipe draws inspiration from classic french cuisine, where simple ingredients are used to create maximum flavour.

While it’s not traditionally french, the use of herb butter is a nod to those techniques. it’s super easy, ready in under an hour, and yields enough for four hungry mouths.

Perfect for a family weeknight chicken dinner , or even a casual get-together.

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken: The Magic Touch

What makes these chicken thighs in oven so special? it's all about that garlic herb butter. we're talking softened butter, loads of minced garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme, parsley, garlic powder, and a cheeky pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling adventurous.

This isn't just a topping; it's a flavour bomb that gets tucked under the chicken skin, making sure every bite is packed with deliciousness.

This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats from the chicken and butter, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

It's also incredibly versatile perfect for serving with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. seriously, once you try this one-pan chicken thigh dinner , you'll be hooked.

And don't forget about nailing that perfect baked chicken thighs 400f temperature for ultimate crispiness.

Now, let's move on to the star of the show: the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret Sauce to Succulent Chicken Thighs in Oven

Right, let's talk kit and caboodle. this oven-roasted chicken thigh recipe is dead simple, but having the right bits and bobs makes all the difference.

Think of it like this: a good mechanic needs good spanners! we're aiming for easy baked chicken thighs that taste like you've slaved away all day.

Promise, it won't!

Main Ingredients: The Chicken's the Star

For the juicy chicken thighs oven , we're going the full monty with flavour!

• Bone-in chicken thighs: 4 (about 600g / 1.3 lbs ). Look for thighs that are plump and pink, not grey or slimy. That's your quality indicator, my friend.
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ).
• Sea salt: 1 tsp ( 5g ).
• Black pepper: ½ tsp ( 2.5g ).

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken : The Flavour Bomb

Now, for the bit that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing: The garlic herb butter. This stuff's pure magic.

• Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp , softened ( 56g / 2oz ). Softened is key - you want to be able to mix it easily.
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced (around 9g ). Fresh is best here!
• Fresh rosemary: 2 tbsp , chopped (or 2 tsp dried) (approx 6g fresh, 4g dried). If you don't have rosemary, use Thyme, no biggie.
• Fresh thyme: 1 tbsp , chopped (or 1 tsp dried) (approx 3g fresh, 2g dried). Dried works in a pinch!
• Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp , chopped (approx 3g fresh).
• Garlic powder: ½ tsp ( 2.5g ).
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (optional) ( 0.5g ). For a bit of zing!

You know what? i once made this for a friend who hates rosemary. i swapped it for oregano, and he wolfed it down! don't be afraid to play around with herbs you like.

That's the beauty of cooking, innit?

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

We're aiming for that classic chicken thighs with rosemary thyme vibe, but a few cheeky additions can take it next level.

• Essential spice combo: Salt, pepper, garlic. Never fails, does it?
• Flavour enhancers: Smoked paprika is incredible for that smoky depth. A little lemon zest brightens things up too.
• Quick subs: No fresh herbs? Dried are fine! Just use half the amount. No garlic? Garlic powder it is!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this one-pan chicken thigh dinner . Less washing up, more grub!

• Large mixing bowl: For mixing the butter and rubbing it on the chicken.
• Baking sheet: Where the magic happens!
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Optional for easy cleanup. Honestly, I always use it.
• Meat thermometer: Highly recommended. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) . Safety first!
• Small bowl: For the herb butter.

Right, that’s the kit. now get your pinny on, and let's make some crispy skin chicken thighs ! it’s going to be a fantastic weeknight chicken dinner , perfect baked chicken thighs 400f , and this bone-in chicken thighs oven recipe are gonna be amazing.

Promise.

Right, let's get this show on the road. i'm absolutely buzzing to share my oven-roasted chicken thigh recipe . honestly, it's a game changer, a real weeknight saviour.

You get juicy chicken thighs oven -baked to perfection, with that oh-so-satisfying crispy skin chicken thighs . i had a phase of dry chicken never again, thanks to this!

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: mise en place, darling! it’s french. it means "everything in its place". soften 4 tbsp unsalted butter .

Mince 3 cloves garlic , chop 2 tbsp fresh rosemary and 1 tbsp fresh thyme . safety wise, make sure you wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

I can't stress it enough!

From Thigh to Triumph: The Baking Lowdown

Right then. Let’s turn these bone-in chicken thighs oven recipe into something special.

1. Pat 4 chicken thighs dry. Seriously, dry. This is key for crispy skin .
2. Mash together softened 4 tbsp butter , minced garlic, chopped rosemary and thyme, 1 tbsp fresh parsley , 1/2 tsp garlic powder , and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. This is your garlic herb butter chicken passport to flavour town.
3. Gently slide your fingers under the chicken skin, and shove that herby butter goodness under the skin. Spread it around. Reserve any extra for the top. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, the longer, the better overnight is banging.
4. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . That's baked chicken thighs 400F level, so don't skip it.
5. Lay your butter slathered chicken thighs in oven on a baking sheet. Skin side up, naturally.
6. Bake for 35- 40 minutes , or until a meat thermometer stuck into the thickest part hits 165° F ( 74° C) . The skin should be beautifully golden and crispy.
7. Let them rest for 5 minutes. Seriously, let them.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Want easy baked chicken thighs ? here are my insider tips. don’t overcrowd the pan! also, for a one-pan chicken thigh dinner , throw some chopped potatoes and carrots around the chicken.

Perfection. the best bit? you can make the herb butter ahead of time and freeze it. my mum taught me that one.

Alright, let's chat about making those chicken thighs in oven even better . we've nailed the basics, now for the finesse.

Think of this as levelling up your oven-roasted chicken thigh recipe .

Recipe Notes

What to Serve with your Chicken Magic?

Okay, so you've got these beautiful, golden crispy skin chicken thighs , right? don't just slap them on a plate.

Presentation matters. maybe a sprig of rosemary on top? a wedge of lemon?

As for sides, i'm thinking roasted veggies. carrots, potatoes, parsnips. that's proper comfort food. or, if you're feeling fancy, a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness.

And a nice glass of crisp white wine? sorted. this makes it a complete one-pan chicken thigh dinner when you toss them in at the same time!

Storage 101: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers? if there are any, that is. store those juicy chicken thighs oven creations in an airtight container in the fridge.

They'll be good for about 3-4 days. freezing? yeah, you can freeze them, but the skin might lose a bit of its crispness.

Reheat in the oven for best results. nobody wants soggy easy baked chicken thighs ! honestly, just reheating it right can make or break the meal.

Tweaks and Tricks: Your Chicken, Your Way

Fancy a change? ditch the rosemary and thyme, and go for lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist.

Or, add a pinch of smoked paprika for a bit of heat.

Now, if you're watching your carbs, cauliflower mash makes a great swap for potatoes. also, if you can't find fresh thyme for chicken thighs with rosemary thyme , use dried thyme (use half the amount).

The Good Stuff: A Little Nutrition Natter

These garlic herb butter chicken thighs are packed with protein, which is great for building muscles and keeping you feeling full.

Each serving is roughly 450 calories. remember these are just estimates. you also get benefits from the herbs, like anti inflammatory properties.

So yeah, tuck in!

Right then, go forth and conquer! This weeknight chicken dinner is waiting to be made. You can get perfectly Baked chicken thighs 400F with a little bit of confidence!