Description
These crispy baked chicken thighs are a perfect balance of juicy tenderness and golden, crunchy skin. Seasoned with a simple yet flavorful blend of herbs and spices, the chicken is roasted to perfection, ensuring the skin becomes irresistibly crispy while the meat stays moist and tender. The high-heat baking method locks in all the savory goodness, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, these thighs are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a crispy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because the skin crisps up nicely while the meat stays juicy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to achieve that crispy skin and adds a rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika gives the chicken a beautiful golden color and a mild, smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Balances out the garlic with a touch of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds a subtle earthiness to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little heat and works well with the other seasonings.
- Optional: Fresh lemon wedges: For serving, these add a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken.
- Optional: Fresh parsley: For garnish, this adds a pop of color and a little freshness.
Instructions
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting that crispy skin while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE CHICKEN
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is an important step because removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up during baking. Don’t skip this part!
Once the chicken is dry, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up, making sure they’re not touching each other. This will help the heat circulate evenly around each piece.
STEP 3: SEASON THE CHICKEN
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and ensures that the skin crisps up beautifully.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to cover both the skin and the meat underneath. You can use your hands or a spoon to gently rub the seasonings into the chicken for even coverage.
STEP 4: BAKE THE CHICKEN
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
If you like your skin extra crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch the chicken closely to avoid burning the skin.
STEP 5: REST AND SERVE
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Serve the crispy baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes and garnished with fresh lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 28g