Print

Tender Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe Perfectly Juicy with Garlic Herb Crust

oven-baked chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, reliable recipe for juicy, tender oven-baked chicken thighs with a crispy garlic herb crust made from pantry staples. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.3 kg)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it come fully to temperature.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, paprika, lemon zest (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture from the skin.
  4. Rub the herb butter mixture all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin if possible.
  5. Place the thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan, spaced slightly apart.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear with a golden, fragrant crust.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry before coating is essential for crispiness. Baking at high heat (425°F) helps render fat and crisp skin without drying the meat. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil but expect less crispy crust. If crust browns too fast, tent with foil. Broil last 2-3 minutes for extra crispness if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven-baked chicken thighs, garlic herb crust, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken skin, bone-in chicken thighs

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/tender-oven-baked-chicken-thighs-recipe-perfectly-juicy-with-garlic-herb-crust/