Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Sauce

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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Sauce – A Comfort Food Classic

Looking for a quick and reliable dinner recipe that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort? These Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Sauce are a home-cooked delight that bring tender, juicy chicken with golden, crispy skin straight to your dinner table — and they’re easier to make than you think.

Perfect for weeknights, family meals, or cozy gatherings, this recipe highlights the natural flavor of chicken with a flavorful buttery, garlicky herb sauce that comes together in just one pan. Whether you enjoy them with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh house salad, this dish offers endless versatility and comfort.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Crispy Skin Every Time: A quick sear on the stovetop helps lock in moisture and guarantees deliciously crispy, golden-brown skin.
  • Flavorful Pan Sauce: The garlic herb butter sauce is made using the flavorful brown bits left in the pan after searing — you won’t want to waste a single drop.
  • Easy and Efficient: Just a few simple ingredients and basic steps make this dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: No thickening agents or flour needed to make a rich, velvety sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): Choose medium to large thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Olive Oil: Used to crisp the skin without burning.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the pan sauce.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for full flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, or rosemary work beautifully in the sauce.
  • Chicken Stock: Helps create the perfect base for a savory sauce — use low-sodium if preferred.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: For simple but essential seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Let the chicken thighs sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to ensure crispness, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Sear on the Stovetop

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, into the hot skillet. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden and crisp. Flip the chicken using tongs.

3. Create the Garlic Herb Sauce

Add the butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan. Allow the ingredients to melt together, stirring gently until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour the chicken stock into the skillet and scrape the bottom to release the brown bits — this adds incredible flavor to the sauce.

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the skillet in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to settle. Spoon the sauce over the chicken when serving.

Oven-Only Method (If You Skip Searing)

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet, skin side up. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Whip up the garlic herb sauce separately and drizzle over the finished chicken.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Always start with room temperature chicken for even cooking and optimal crisping.
  • Dry skin = crispy texture. Don’t skip patting them dry!
  • Use a high-quality oven-safe skillet like cast iron for both stovetop searing and baking.
  • A food thermometer helps prevent overcooking — aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

What to Serve Alongside

These chicken thighs pair perfectly with:

  • Roasted asparagus or green beans
  • Classic mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
  • Buttered corn on the cob
  • Creamy risotto or rice pilaf
  • Fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and the skin re-crisps.

 

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