If you’re craving something utterly comforting yet bursting with fresh flavors, the Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. This dish takes tender chicken leg quarters and bathes them in a luscious garlic and herb-infused butter, roasting them to golden, crispy perfection. Every bite is a celebration of juicy meat, fragrant herbs, and that irresistible buttery goodness. Trust me, once you make this Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for cozy dinners with a touch of gourmet flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting set up for this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating a beautiful balance of flavor, richness, and aroma. You’ll love how these accessible components come together effortlessly for such a stunning end result.
- 4 pieces chicken marylands (~1.5 kg/3 lb): Also known as leg quarters, the perfect cut for juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and helps crisp the skin.
- 1/3 cup chardonnay or dry white wine: Adds bright acidity and keeps the meat tender; chicken stock is a great substitute for a softer touch.
- 100g/7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: The star ingredient that carries the garlic and herbs, lending richness and moisture.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Deliver pungent, garlicky notes that beautifully saturate the butter and chicken.
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped: Offers piney, woody aromatics that complement poultry wonderfully.
- 2 tsp thyme leaves, finely chopped: Brings subtle earthiness and a slightly minty touch.
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt: For seasoning the butter mixture thoroughly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to the herbal butter blend.
How to Make Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 220°C/425°F (or 200°C with fan). This high temperature is key to getting that glorious crispy skin while locking in the juiciness beneath.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb & Garlic Butter
Combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly mixed. This butter is absolutely the flavor powerhouse of the Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe.
Step 3: Butter the Chicken with Love
Using an upside-down tablespoon, gently separate the chicken skin from the flesh on the thighs and legs. This little trick creates a pocket for the herbed butter to melt directly onto the meat. Spread about 80% of the butter under the skin, a small bit (~5%) on the flesh side, and then the rest on top of the skin. This layering ensures every bite bursts with flavor, while the pan juices soak the flesh side later on.
Step 4: Arrange and Season
Place the chicken marylands skin-side up in a roasting pan, sprinkle the skin evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and pour the chardonnay or white wine around the chicken pieces. The wine will help keep the chicken moist and add complexity to the pan sauce.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Start by roasting the chicken for 10 minutes at the initial high heat to jump-start crisping the skin. Then reduce the oven temperature to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) and continue roasting for another 40 minutes. Don’t forget to baste the chicken every 10 minutes starting from the 20-minute mark; it’s the secret to that shiny, flavorful finish in the Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After roasting, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve alongside the garlic-herb-butter pan juices for a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the tender meat.
How to Serve Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like sprigs of rosemary or thyme sprinkled over the top can amplify the herbaceous aroma and add a handsome touch of green. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens up every mouthful, balancing the rich butter perfectly.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines when paired with simple sides that soak up its delicious juices—think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Even fluffy rice would help soak up the butter herb sauce with delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Plating this dish can be both rustic and elegant. Serve the chicken marylands whole on a large wooden board surrounded by roasted garlic cloves and vibrant herbs. Or slice the meat off the bone and arrange it neatly beside your sides for a more refined presentation perfect for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy, flavorful meals later on.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken marylands by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken will maintain its flavor for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm the chicken slowly in an oven at 180°C/350°F until heated through. This helps maintain the juicy texture and crisp skin much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of marylands?
Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe and will produce similarly juicy and flavor-packed results. Just adjust the quantity to match the weight of the marylands called for.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried rosemary and thyme can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about half to avoid overpowering the dish. Fresh herbs really do add more vibrancy to the Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe.
Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes! Simply substitute the chardonnay with low-sodium chicken stock or broth. It still adds moisture and depth but without the wine’s acidity.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer—insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and it should read at least 75°C/165°F. The juices should also run clear when pierced.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely, just be mindful of your roasting pan size and oven capacity. Make sure there’s enough space so each chicken piece roasts evenly and crisps up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe enough if you’re after a dish that’s simple yet packed with soulful flavors. The magic of herb-infused butter combined with garlic and perfectly roasted chicken creates a meal that warms the heart and satisfies every craving. Invite your loved ones to the table and share this delicious experience—you might just find it becoming a treasured staple in your recipe collection.
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Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings (4 chicken marylands)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Western / European
Description
This Herb & Garlic Butter Chicken Marylands recipe features juicy chicken leg quarters infused with a flavorful garlic and herb butter. Roasted to crispy perfection with a splash of white wine, this dish combines tender meat with aromatic rosemary and thyme for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces (~1.5 kg / 3 lb) chicken marylands (leg quarters) or 8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/3 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine (substitute low-sodium chicken stock/broth if preferred)
Herb & Garlic Butter
- 100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced using a garlic press
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (if using dried, see note)
- 2 tsp thyme leaves, finely chopped (if using dried, see note)
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C fan (400°F conventional).
- Prepare Herb & Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, 3/4 tsp salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Butter the Chicken: Using an upside-down tablespoon, gently loosen the skin from the flesh on the thigh and leg of each chicken piece. Smear about 80% of the herb and garlic butter under the skin, a small amount (~5%) on the flesh side (underside), and the remainder on top of the skin. This ensures maximum flavor penetration.
- Arrange Chicken in Pan: Place the buttered chicken pieces skin side up in a roasting pan. Sprinkle the skin with 1/2 tsp of salt evenly. Pour the white wine around the chicken pieces, not over them, to add moisture and flavor during roasting.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the roasting pan in the oven. Roast at 220°C/425°F for 10 minutes to crisp the skin. Then lower the oven temperature to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) and continue roasting for an additional 40 minutes. Starting at 20 minutes into this stage, baste the chicken with the pan juices every 10 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot with the garlic-herb-butter pan juices spooned over the top as a rich sauce.
Notes
- Note 1: Using bone-in, skin-on thighs is a good alternative if marylands are unavailable.
- Note 2: Minced garlic can be prepared with a garlic press for best flavor distribution.
- Note 3: If using dried rosemary or thyme, use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Note 4: Loosening the skin without tearing is important to evenly distribute the herb butter underneath for juicy chicken.
