Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a plate of oven-baked chicken thighs. Picture this: golden, crispy skin giving way to juicy, tender meat; the aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. This recipe isn’t just about cooking chicken; it’s about creating a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I have fond memories of gathering around the dinner table with family, the chicken sizzling and the laughter filling the room. I’m excited to share this winning recipe with you!

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Picture this: you’re returning home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where these oven-baked chicken thighs come in. This recipe will bless you with crispy skins and juicy meat without demanding too much from your evening.

The magic lies in the seasoning blend—each sprinkle transforms your simple chicken into a culinary masterpiece. When you pull that tray from the oven, the aroma will have everyone gathered around, and, trust me, the crispy edges are a heavenly touch. Plus, using bone-in, skin-on thighs means you get that delicious richness you can’t achieve with white meat. It’s hearty, soulful cooking that satisfies hunger and lifts spirits!

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s talk about the star players in this easy-breezy recipe.

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The luscious meat and crispy skin are what make this dish unforgettable. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even use drumsticks or wings; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your golden elixir for crispy skin. If you don’t have olive oil, a light oil, like avocado or melted butter, can work, too.

• 1 teaspoon salt: It’s the seasoning foundation that brings all the flavors to life. Remember, salt is key to enhancing the natural taste of the chicken!

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A dash to add depth, don’t skimp on this; the pepper provides a subtle warmth.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Who doesn’t love garlic? It adds a mellow kick that makes every bite sing!

• 1 teaspoon onion powder: This gives a sweet, aromatic depth, making your chicken taste gourmet without much effort.

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is the ace up my sleeve! It introduces a beautiful smoky flavor that’ll remind you of summer barbecues.

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: These herbs add a fragrant touch. They blend beautifully, but if you’re short on one, just switch it up with Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence.

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only makes the dish look appetizing but adds a fresh flavor, too!

The Cooking Process Explained

Ready to bring this flavorful chicken to life? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Allow it to fully warm up—it’s crucial for achieving that crispy skin.

2. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cleanup will be a breeze, trust me!

3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is your secret weapon for achieving crispy skin.

4. Place the thighs on the baking sheet, skin-side up. Make sure they have a bit of space in between for even cooking.

5. Mix the seasonings together! In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.

6. Brush or drizzle the olive oil mixture over the chicken thighs. Make sure every corner is coated; it’s worth the extra effort.

7. Generously sprinkle the seasoning blend over each thigh. No shy pinches here—give them a good, flavorful rub.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on them until that skin turns golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

9. Rest your chicken for 5 minutes post-baking. It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it rest helps the juices redistribute.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if using. It adds a lovely pop of color.

Best Way to Enjoy It

Now that your beautiful chicken is ready, the real fun begins! Serve it up with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a comforting meal. You could also pair this dish with a vibrant salad or some crusty bread to soak up any juices. Feeling adventurous? Try it alongside some fluffy couscous or quinoa for a wholesome touch!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Let’s chat storage!

If you have any leftovers (which is rare but could happen), cool them completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze the cooked chicken—just make sure to wrap them well to preserve their crispy goodness.

To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and pop it back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through. This way, you can revive that crispy skin!

Tips for a Successful Recipe

• Patience is a virtue! Resist the urge to flip or move the chicken around while it’s baking. Let that heat do its magic.
• If you’re craving a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper into your seasoning blend. Spice lovers unite!
• Experiment with the herbs! Try rosemary or basil if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

Creative Twists

This recipe is as flexible as your creativity allows! Want some zing? Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of honey mixed into the olive oil will give you a sweet-and-savory twist.

Feeling adventurous with flavors? Swap out the smoked paprika for curry powder for an exotic kick, or use a blend of your favorite spices to match your tastebuds.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then place them skin-side up on the sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.
5. Brush or drizzle the seasoning mix over the chicken thighs.
6. Generously sprinkle the seasoning over the thighs, ensuring they’re well-coated.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve.

Common Questions

• What’s the prep time? It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, and then it’s hands-off while it bakes!
• Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Absolutely! Just decrease the cooking time, and check for doneness sooner.
• How do I know when the chicken is done? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
• Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, prepare it the night before and let it marinate in the fridge; then bake it the next day!
• What should I serve it with? Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are excellent pairings!

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Experiment, share your results, and don’t be shy about adding your own flair! Cooking is a journey—so embrace it and enjoy every delicious second.

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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Gluten Free High Protein Keto Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Cooking Temp: 425  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Enjoy tender and juicy chicken thighs with a golden, crispy skin seasoned to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings!

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance the natural taste)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper (for subtle warmth)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation and Baking

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   Ensure it is fully warm for crispy skin.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare Baking Sheet

   Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
   This makes cleanup easier.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare Chicken

   Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them skin-side up on the baking sheet.
   Drying helps achieve crispy skin.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Seasonings

   In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.
   Mark as complete

5. Apply Seasoning

   Brush or drizzle the seasoning mix over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
   Mark as complete

6. Bake

   Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
   Mark as complete

7. Rest and Serve

   Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 450mg13%

Total Carbohydrate 2g1%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 0g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 5 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 2 mg

Iron 6 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 0 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Keywords: chicken, oven-baked, crispy, comfort food, dinner