Name: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsps olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 30 garlic cloves; salt; black pepper; 6 large chicken thighs; 2 tsps fresh rosemary; 2 tsps Fresh Thyme; ¾ tsp cornstarch; ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley

This savory dish of roasted garlic chicken thighs is flavored with a tantalizing blend of fresh herbs and roasted garlic. The chicken is pan-seared to lock in its natural juices, then roasted in the oven for maximum flavor. The result is a chicken dish that's tender, juicy, and packed full of garlic flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This is a perfect recipe for a family meal or a dinner party.

roasted chicken thighs with garlic recipe

Photos of Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, fresh rosemary and thyme may not always be on hand. While dried herbs can be used as a substitute, fresh herbs deliver a far more robust flavor. When you're at the supermarket, look for rosemary and thyme in the fresh produce section. Also, don't forget to pick up plenty of garlic. You'll need about 30 cloves.

Ingredients for Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and garlic. It adds a rich flavor to the dish.

Butter: Enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to brown the chicken.

Garlic cloves: Gives the dish its dominant flavor and aroma.

Salt: Used to season the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the chicken.

Chicken thighs: The main ingredient of the dish. Chicken thighs are preferred for their juicy and flavorful meat.

Rosemary: A fragrant herb that complements the chicken and garlic.

Thyme: Another aromatic herb that enhances the overall flavor.

Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.

Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce.

Lemon juice: Provides a tangy contrast to the rich flavors.

Parsley: Used as a garnish and adds a fresh note to the dish.

One reader, Farley Wicks says:

This roasted garlic chicken thighs recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the chicken comes out so tender and juicy. The roasted garlic adds a delicious depth of flavor. It's a hit with my family every time I make it. Highly recommend trying it out!

Farley Wicks

Techniques Required for Making Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

How to roast garlic: Roasting garlic involves cutting off the top of a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzling it with olive oil, and wrapping it in foil. Then, it's baked until the cloves are soft and caramelized.

How to brown chicken thighs: Browning chicken thighs involves cooking them in a skillet over medium-high heat until the skin is golden brown and crispy, usually for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side.

How to make pan sauce: To make a pan sauce, you'll need to deglaze the skillet with a liquid, such as chicken broth, and then whisk in a thickening agent, like cornstarch, to create a flavorful sauce.

How To Make Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic

Crispy chicken skin and juicy thighs in a bed of herbal, garlicky pan sauce, this roasted chicken thighs recipe is truly mouthwatering.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2tbspsolive oil
1tbspbutter
30garlic clovespeeled (from 2 heads)
salt
black pepperfreshly ground
6largechicken thighsbone-in, skin-on , trimmed of excess skin
2tspsfresh rosemaryfinely minced
2tspsfresh thymefinely minced
¾tspcornstarch
⅓cuplow-sodium chicken broth
1tbspfresh lemon juice
1tbspfresh parsleyminced , optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-proof skillet or saute pan over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook, turning occasionally until lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer garlic to a plate, leave oil in pan.
Dab skin side of chicken thighs well with paper towels to dry. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.
Increase burner heat to medium-high and add chicken to skillet, skin side down (cover pan with a splatter screen if you have one). Cook until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes, then remove from heat.
Season chicken thighs with 1 tsp each thyme an rosemary, then flip so skin side is upright and season with 1 tsp each thyme and rosemary.
Scatter garlic cloves around chicken. Roast in preheated oven until skin is crispy and center registers 165, about 20 minutes.
In a small bowl whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch. Transfer chicken and garlic to a plate, then bring drippings in skillet to a simmer over medium heat.
Add broth mixture to drippings, and cook whisking constantly, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Add some of the pan sauce to individual plates then top with a chicken and garlic cloves. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 928.71kcal
Fat: 70.05g
Saturated Fat: 19.21g
Trans Fat: 0.42g
Monounsaturated Fat: 30.86g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.47g
Carbohydrates: 10.34g
Fiber: 0.94g
Sugar: 0.37g
Protein: 61.85g
Cholesterol: 362.27mg
Sodium: 981.24mg
Calcium: 78.07mg
Potassium: 877.46mg
Iron: 3.21mg
Vitamin A: 113.32µg
Vitamin C: 10.48mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

When roasting garlic, it's important to keep a close eye on it as it can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt. Burnt garlic has a bitter taste that can overpower the dish. To avoid this, stir the garlic frequently and remove it from the heat as soon as it starts to turn golden brown. This will ensure your roasted garlic chicken thighs have a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that complements the savory chicken perfectly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to infuse it with flavor, and peel the garlic cloves in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-chopped herbs: Purchase pre-chopped fresh herbs to save time on prep work and reduce the need for chopping and cleaning.

Invest in a splatter screen: Using a splatter screen while cooking the chicken will help reduce mess and save time on cleaning the stovetop.

Multi-task: While the chicken is roasting, use that time to prepare side dishes or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Use a meat thermometer: Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without the need for guesswork, saving time and ensuring a delicious result.

Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor similar to butter and can be used as a 1:1 replacement in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with roasted garlic paste: Roasted garlic paste provides a concentrated garlic flavor and smooth texture, enhancing the dish with a milder, slightly sweet taste.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks can be used as a substitute for thighs, offering a similar dark meat richness and juiciness when roasted.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for rosemary, providing a slightly different herbaceous flavor that complements the dish well.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano can be used as a substitute for thyme, adding a robust and earthy flavor to the dish.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce, providing a similar silky texture without altering the flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor and richness to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, providing a tangy acidity that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, offering a fresh and bright herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

Elevate the plating: Arrange the roasted garlic chicken thighs in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring the crispy skin is prominently displayed. Surround the chicken with the roasted garlic cloves, creating a visually appealing and aromatic presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Drizzle with pan sauce: Carefully drizzle the rich and flavorful pan sauce around the chicken thighs, creating an elegant and appetizing saucy element on the plate.
Incorporate height: Consider stacking the chicken thighs slightly on top of each other to create a visually striking and dynamic presentation that showcases the succulent meat and crispy skin.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing some negative space on the plate, highlighting the main components and enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Add a touch of color: Consider incorporating a vibrant element such as a small side of roasted vegetables or a colorful puree to add visual interest and balance to the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and sophisticated serving ware that complements the dish, such as a stylish ceramic plate or a sleek platter, enhancing the overall presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the final presentation, ensuring that each component is meticulously placed to create a visually stunning and appetizing dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

Oven: An essential appliance for roasting the chicken thighs to perfection.
Skillet or saute pan: Used for browning the chicken thighs and garlic cloves before transferring to the oven.
Splatter screen: Optional, but useful for preventing oil splatters while browning the chicken.
Paper towels: Used for drying the chicken thighs thoroughly before seasoning.
Whisk: Essential for combining the chicken broth and cornstarch to create a smooth sauce.
Small bowl: Used for whisking together the chicken broth and cornstarch before adding to the skillet.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken thighs while browning and transferring them to the oven.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the fresh herbs, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Oven-proof plate: Used for transferring the chicken and garlic from the skillet to the oven and back to the serving plate.
Knife: Used for preparing the fresh herbs and lemon, as well as for any necessary trimming of the chicken thighs.
Cutting board: Essential for prepping the fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic cloves.
Serving plate: Used for presenting the finished dish before serving.

Storing and Freezing Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

Let the chicken thighs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the roasted garlic chicken thighs, place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, place the thawed chicken thighs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the thawed chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Note: The roasted garlic may lose some of its texture and flavor when frozen and reheated, but the chicken will still be delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Brush the chicken with a little olive oil or melted butter to help crisp up the skin. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, this is a great way to reheat your roasted garlic chicken thighs. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a stovetop method, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to reheat the chicken thighs and the garlic cloves together, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to keep the chicken moist and allows the flavors of the garlic to meld with the chicken once again.

Interesting Fact About Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

The roasted garlic chicken thighs recipe is a delicious and savory dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and herbs with tender chicken thighs. It's a perfect meal for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the aromatic and robust flavors of garlic and chicken in a simple and satisfying dish.

Is Making Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this roasted garlic chicken thighs recipe largely depends on the current market prices of the ingredients. Chicken thighs, garlic, and herbs are generally affordable, making this recipe budget-friendly. The addition of lemon and fresh parsley may slightly increase the cost, but these are optional. Considering the nutritional value and flavor profile, this recipe is a great option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 9.

Is This Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Healthy?

This roasted garlic chicken thighs recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken thighs are a good source of protein, and the dish incorporates healthy ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley), and lemon juice. Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

However, there are some concerns with this recipe:

The chicken skin, which is left on and crisped up, is high in saturated fat and calories.
The recipe calls for butter, which adds additional saturated fat.
The salt content may be high, especially if using regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium.

To make this recipe healthier, you could:

Remove the chicken skin to reduce the saturated fat and calorie content.
Replace the butter with additional olive oil or a healthier alternative like avocado oil.
Use only low-sodium chicken broth and be mindful of the amount of added salt.
Increase the amount of garlic and fresh herbs to boost the nutritional value and flavor without relying on salt.
Serve the chicken with a side of nutrient-dense vegetables like roasted broccoli, carrots, or a fresh salad to balance out the meal.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of roasted garlic chicken thighs while making the dish more nutritious and well-rounded.

Editor's Opinion on This Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

This roasted garlic chicken thighs recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of a large quantity of garlic creates a rich, aromatic base for the dish, while the herbs and lemon juice add a refreshing brightness. The crispy skin of the chicken thighs contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful meat. The pan sauce brings everything together with a savory, slightly tangy finish. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying and well-balanced dish that is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.

Enhance Your Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and rosemary, topped with a dollop of butter.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, seasoned with thyme and lemon zest.

Fruit Salad: Refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, drizzled with a honey and lemon dressing.

Similar Recipes to Try Besides Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy and flavorful risotto is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of earthy mushrooms and creamy rice will leave you wanting more.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: This sweet and tangy glazed salmon is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. The honey mustard glaze adds a burst of flavor to the tender and flaky salmon fillets.

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad: This refreshing and vibrant salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The grilled peaches and salty prosciutto pair perfectly with the crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized treats are perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors and textures on crispy bread will leave your guests wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving more.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful offers a refreshing burst of fruity goodness.

Why trust this Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Recipe:

This roasted garlic chicken thighs recipe is a must-try for any home cook. The combination of garlic and olive oil creates a rich and aromatic flavor, while the use of fresh rosemary and thyme adds a delightful herbal essence. The method of roasting ensures juicy and tender chicken thighs with crispy skin. The addition of lemon juice brightens the dish, and the incorporation of chicken broth creates a savory pan sauce that elevates the overall taste. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Have you tried this Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Recipe? Share your experience and any tips you may have in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Just be mindful that chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don't dry out.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh ones, but the flavor may be slightly different. If using dried herbs, use about half the amount specified for the fresh herbs in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic chicken thighs ahead of time. After roasting, let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven until warmed through.

Can I substitute the chicken broth with water?

While you can substitute water for chicken broth, using broth will provide a richer flavor to the dish. If you opt for water, consider adding additional seasoning to compensate for the flavor lost from the broth.

Can I use pre-peeled garlic for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-peeled garlic to save time. However, fresh whole garlic cloves will yield the best flavor. If using pre-peeled garlic, ensure it's fresh and not discolored.