This Rustic Garlic Herb Butter Chicken is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. With crispy, golden-brown skin and a fragrant, buttery herb sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
Butter: The unsalted butter adds richness and helps the chicken achieve a beautiful, golden brown color. Garlic: Minced garlic provides a depth of flavor that complements the herbs perfectly. Olive oil: Helps in searing the chicken to get that crispy skin we all love. Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley: These herbs give the dish a rustic, earthy taste that’s both comforting and aromatic. Lemon: Sliced for a fresh, zesty finish that lightens up the dish. Chicken broth: Adds moisture to the sauce and helps meld all the flavors together.
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a light side salad to balance the richness. A side of roasted vegetables like carrots and asparagus would also complement the flavors nicely. For a rustic touch, serve with some crusty bread to mop up that delicious sauce.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, take your chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is crucial for flavoring the meat itself.
Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, lay the chicken in the pan, skin-side down. Let it sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This is where the magic begins!
With the chicken's skin beautifully browned, flip the thighs over and add the butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley to the pan. Stir the mixture gently, letting the garlic and herbs release their fragrant aromas. It should only take a minute or so for the kitchen to start smelling heavenly.
Pour in the chicken broth, which will help deglaze the pan and create a rich, flavorful sauce. Add the lemon slices around the chicken, letting them nestle in between the thighs. The lemon will infuse the dish with a fresh zest that balances the richness of the butter.
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping everything nice and moist.
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