Southern Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Southern Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are the kind of rich, comforting dish that fills your home with warmth — juicy, golden-baked chicken smothered in a silky garlic butter sauce that tastes like pure Southern love. It’s simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. One bite feels like comfort you can hold on to.

Ingredients
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the garlic butter sauce:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat chicken thighs dry for crispier skin.
Rub with olive oil or melted butter.
Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Arrange thighs skin-side up in a baking dish.

Melt butter in a saucepan and add minced garlic.
Cook for 1–2 minutes on low heat until fragrant.
Stir in parsley and optional lemon juice.
Pour the garlic butter over the chicken thighs.

Bake 35–45 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Broil the top for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan over the chicken before serving.

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or roasted vegetables — pure Southern comfort in every bite.