Brace yourselves, food lovers! Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue, the bold culinary rebel from Maxivore.com, is about to take your taste buds on a savory, herb-infused adventure. Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken thighs into an EPIC, flavor-packed masterpiece that will have your friends and family begging for more!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Herb Butter Chicken Thighs
This dish is an absolute MUST-TRY! The combination of succulent chicken thighs, fragrant herbs, and a rich, mouth-watering butter sauce will send your senses into overdrive. Prepare to be blown away by the incredible flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for seconds (and thirds!). This recipe is a true game-changer that will elevate your dinner game to legendary status.
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on some incredible ingredients that will make this dish an absolute SENSATION! You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, unsalted butter, fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and parsley), garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Trust me, the flavor explosion you’re about to experience is INSANE.
- 8-10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the secret to EPIC flavor
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – the more butter, the better!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – for that bold, savory punch
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley – a fragrant herb trio
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – to brighten up the flavors
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to season to perfection
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (adjust baking time accordingly)
- Herbs: Feel free to use any combination of fresh herbs you love – oregano, basil, or even tarragon would be AMAZING!
How to Make Savory Herb Butter Chicken Thighs
Alright, let’s get this flavor party started! First, we’re going to prepare our magical herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s perfectly blended.
Step 1: Prep Work
Now, it’s time to get those chicken thighs ready. Pat them dry with paper towels and generously season them all over with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up. Carefully lift the skin and spread a generous amount of the herb butter under it, making sure to coat the meat as well.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop that pan in the oven and let the magic happen! Bake the chicken for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is INSANELY flavorful.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- More Flavor, Please!: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the herb butter mixture for an extra ZING of flavor.
- Herb Swap: Feel free to experiment with different fresh herb combinations – oregano, basil, or even tarragon would be EPIC in this dish.
- Lemon Zest Boost: Stir in some lemon zest along with the fresh herbs for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Chicken Leg Quarters: Swap the chicken thighs for bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters for an even bigger flavor punch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad – this dish is the perfect centerpiece for an EPIC meal.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to indulge in this EPIC meal again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the herb butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, when it’s time to cook, simply smother the chicken and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Get ready to FEAST on this incredible dish! Each serving of savory herb butter chicken thighs packs a powerful punch of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. With its impressive nutritional profile, this recipe is a true game-changer that will fuel your body and soul.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get the herb butter under the skin?
Gently lift the skin of the chicken thighs and use your fingers to spread the herb butter directly onto the meat. This will ensure maximum flavor penetration and a perfectly crispy skin.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as the thighs will cook faster without the bone and skin.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They should reach 165°F (75°C) to be considered fully cooked. The juices should also run clear when the thighs are pierced with a fork.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this dish in advance! The herb butter mixture can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply smother the chicken and bake as directed.
What should I serve with the savory herb butter chicken thighs?
These chicken thighs pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The possibilities are endless when you’ve got this EPIC chicken as the star of the show!
Try These Next
- Savory Herb Crusted Chicken Thighs With Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Herb Infused Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Savory Herb Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Savory Herb Butter Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory Herb Butter Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner. This dish features tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich herb-infused butter sauce.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
6. Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the herb butter mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, herb, butter, dinner