Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Baked chicken thighs are a simple, flavorful meal that delivers crispy skin and juicy meat every time. This easy recipe uses basic spices and olive oil for a delicious dinner you can trust to impress.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or ¼ teaspoon each sweet paprika and smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or dried rosemary or basil)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top.
- Step 2: Dab the chicken skin dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
- Step 3: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Rub the seasoning and oil into the chicken skin.
- Step 4: Place the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up, and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 5: If the skin isn’t crispy enough, turn the broiler on high and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and olive oil for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Try swapping thyme for rosemary or basil to change the herb profile.
- Use boneless thighs for faster cooking but reduce baking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover baked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve crispness, covering loosely with foil if using the oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so reduce baking time and watch carefully for doneness.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to check.
PrintBaked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Crispy and flavorful baked chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and herbs, cooked to juicy perfection in the oven and finished under the broiler for extra crispy skin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each)
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or ¼ teaspoon each sweet paprika and smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or dried rosemary or basil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top to allow air circulation around the chicken for even cooking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, especially the skin, to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier skin when baked.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme evenly over them. Rub the seasonings and oil thoroughly into the skin for full flavor penetration.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared rack. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) measured with a meat thermometer.
- Crisp the Skin: If the skin isn’t crispy enough after baking, turn the oven broiler to high and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Using a rack allows fat to drip away and promotes even cooking and crispiness.
- Drying the skin is essential for a crispy finish.
- Substitute dried thyme with rosemary or basil based on preference.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Broiling time may vary based on broiler intensity; watch carefully to avoid burning.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, oven baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, paprika chicken
