
There are many reasons to love garlic chicken thighs, especially for their flavor. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and garlic sauce combine to create a rich, satisfying experience. Each bite offers a mix of textures, from the golden, seared exterior to the tender, flavorful interior. This recipe is reliable and versatile, suitable for a cozy home meal or a special gathering. It’s a dish that feels rustic yet impressive enough for a picnic or dinner party. For the best results, marinate the chicken for 24 to 36 hours before roasting. Dark meat cuts like chicken thighs and legs work best because they stay moist and tender during cooking. Overall, this garlic chicken recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make option that appeals to many tastes and occasions.
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 8 garlic cloves, flattened
- ½ cup minced fresh parsley
- 2 – 3 pounds of chicken thighs and legs, skin on and bone in
Process
- Prep chicken by cutting off any extra fat or extra skin, pat it completely dry before adding it to the marinade.
- Peel garlic cloves and flatten them with a knife.
- Chop fresh parsley finely.
- Mix olive oil, garlic, and parsley and pour into a gallon plastic bag.
- Add the chicken and marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, up to 36 hours.
- Place in the refrigerator, flipping every few hours to ensure even coverage of the marinade.
Sauce Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves, pressed or grated
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon of dried, crumbled
- 2-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons of dried
- 1 teaspoon of coarse Kosher salt
- Ground Pepper
Process
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a raised edge sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
- Take the chicken out of the marinade, keeping any garlic or parsley stuck to it. Place the chicken skin side up on a shallow roasting pan or sheet pan with raised edges. Save one-third of the marinade in a large bowl for later use.
- Stir the pressed garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme into the reserved marinade.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken in the roasting pan.
- Season with salt and pepper and cook skin side up until cooked through for about 50 minutes.