Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

There’s something downright magical about the aroma of sizzling chicken wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? This Baked Chicken Thighs recipe has become my go-to dish because it’s simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made it for some friends—everyone raved about how juicy and crispy the chicken turned out. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, and I think it could do the same for you. Let’s dive in!

Why you’ll love this recipe

First off, let’s talk flavor. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are essentially the rock stars of the chicken world. They have this rich, savory essence that’s hard to beat! The cooking method here is all about that crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy underneath. Just imagine biting into the crispy exterior, and then… that first taste of juicy chicken. Heaven!

The spice blend—a delightful mix of garlic, onion powder, and paprika—gives it that extra punch that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Plus, the high oven temperature works wonders for achieving that coveted crispiness. Are you starting to feel hungry yet? Because I know I am!

Gather these ingredients

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (4 pieces): These are your flavor powerhouses. Leaving the bone in and the skin on not only adds moisture but also infuses the meat with that rich, savory goodness we all crave.

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This liquid gold enhances flavor and ensures those gorgeous crispy edges. You can swap this for melted butter if you’re feeling indulgent.

• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For that aromatic kick, garlic powder adds depth. Don’t even think about leaving it out—it’s like the secret handshake of spices.

• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): This complements the garlic beautifully, wrapping the chicken in a cozy flavor blanket.

• Paprika (1 teaspoon): This adds a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color—a feast for the eyes!

• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Ah, thyme—a classic herb that gives a fresh, herby note. You could easily swap it for rosemary or Italian seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.

• Salt (1 teaspoon): This is your flavor enhancer. Just make sure not to go overboard—balance is key!

• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle of black pepper adds that subtle heat. Feel free to adjust this based on your spice tolerance.

The cooking process explained

1. Preheat your oven: Start by cranking up your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial to getting that skin crispy and beautiful.

2. Prepare the chicken: Pat those chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This little trick helps remove moisture, and let me tell you, it’s essential for that ultimate crispiness.

3. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the chicken thighs. Seriously, get in there—don’t miss a single crevice! It’s where all the magic happens.

4. Arrange on a baking sheet: Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the seasoned thighs skin-side up. This not only prevents sticking but also helps with easy cleanup afterward—thank me later!

5. Roast the chicken: Slide that baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 45–50 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). And for that extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 3–5 minutes. Trust me; it’s worth it!

6. Rest and serve: Once they’re done, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before digging in. This resting period will let those juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy perfection.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you’ve got these succulent thigh pieces, how do you want to serve them? They’re wonderfully versatile! Pair them with a fresh garden salad, some roasted veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes. You could even throw in a tangy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. Whatever you choose, just make sure to scoop up those pan juices—they are liquid gold!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For those of you looking to stash some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just remember to label and date it!

Helpful cooking tips

A few insider tips for success:

• Don’t skip on drying the chicken; it’s essential for crispiness.
• If you want to bring in a little more flavor depth, toast your spices in the olive oil before mixing. It’s a game-changer!
• Play around with your spices! Try swapping in Italian herbs or even a little cayenne for a spicy kick.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Why not marinate the chicken thighs overnight for even more flavor? You could also add a splash of lemon juice to your seasoning mix for a zesty surprise. Experiment with other spices like cumin or coriander—get creative and make this dish your own!

Ingredients list

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (4 pieces)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

Directions to follow

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
5. Arrange thighs skin-side up on a lined baking sheet.
6. Roast for 45–50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Broil for 3–5 minutes for extra crispiness.
7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Your questions answered

1. What can I serve with baked chicken thighs? Try pairing them with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a garden salad!
2. Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Definitely, but reduce the cooking time. Check for doneness around 25 minutes.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
4. Can I freeze the baked chicken? Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
5. Are there any dietary modifications? You can easily swap olive oil for avocado oil, or use gluten-free seasoning if that’s a concern.

Try this baked chicken thighs recipe, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite dish up your sleeve. Enjoy the cooking journey, infuse it with your creativity, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences in the comments. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Cooking Temp: 425  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is simple, flavorful, and satisfying, featuring juicy, crispy chicken seasoned with a delightful spice blend.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Can be swapped for melted butter.)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Essential for flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (Adds color and smokiness.)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (Can substitute with rosemary or Italian seasoning.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Flavor enhancer.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper (Adjust based on spice tolerance.)

Directions

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   This high temperature is crucial for crispy skin.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare Chicken

   Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
   This helps ensure maximum crispiness.
   Mark as complete

3. Season the Chicken

   In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
   Make sure to cover all parts for full flavor.
   Mark as complete

4. Arrange and Roast

   Arrange the thighs skin-side up on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 45–50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Broil for the last 3–5 minutes for extra crispiness.
   Mark as complete

5. Rest and Serve

   Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
   This redistributes the juices for juiciness.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 2g1%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 0g

Protein 30g60%

---

Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 8 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 0 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.6 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* 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 extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight or adding lemon juice.

Keywords: chicken, baked, crispy, thighs, easy recipe