Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this recipe for baked chicken thighs! First, the chicken is incredibly juicy and tender, thanks to the rich, flavorful meat of the thighs. The skin becomes perfectly crispy as it bakes, offering a delightful contrast to the juicy inside. The seasoning blend can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, and the recipe is naturally simple, requiring very little prep time. Whether served with roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad, baked chicken thighs make a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin become crispier while baking.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 (2 thighs per person)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Baked Chicken Thighs: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture to give the chicken a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Drizzle a bit of honey over the chicken before baking, or toss the chicken in a honey garlic glaze after baking.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs: Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the seasoning mix, and garnish the chicken with lemon slices before baking for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Crispy Skin-Free Option: If you prefer skinless chicken, simply remove the skin before seasoning and baking. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken thighs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. To help keep the skin crispy, you can also reheat them under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work in this recipe. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, as they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
How do I know when the chicken thighs are done?
The chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While this recipe is specifically for chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts, but the cooking time may vary. Chicken breasts tend to dry out more quickly, so keep an eye on them and reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.
Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
Yes, marinating the chicken thighs for a few hours (or overnight) will enhance the flavor and tenderness. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own.
How can I make the skin even crispier?
To get extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Can I cook these chicken thighs on a grill instead of in the oven?
Yes, you can grill chicken thighs on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What should I serve with baked chicken thighs?
These chicken thighs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, baked chicken thighs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs (for example, 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh thyme for every 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme).
What’s the best way to get the skin crispy without overcooking the chicken?
For crispy skin, make sure the oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C), and do not cover the chicken while it bakes. Also, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning it.
Conclusion
Baked chicken thighs are a delicious and easy dish that combines juicy meat, crispy skin, and rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a family meal, this recipe delivers a satisfying and comforting option. With minimal effort and ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect every time. Enjoy experimenting with different seasoning blends and serving it alongside your favorite sides!
PrintBaked Chicken Thighs
These crispy Baked Chicken Thighs are a perfect, easy weeknight dinner. With juicy meat and golden, crispy skin, this simple recipe is full of flavor and can be customized to suit your preferences. Ready in under an hour, this dish is versatile and pairs perfectly with any side like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. Whether you add spices, honey garlic glaze, or fresh lemon, baked chicken thighs are sure to satisfy!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 50min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken and rub evenly.
- Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary in a bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken.
- Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased rack.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking by adding cayenne pepper for spice or lemon zest for freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
