Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Oven baked chicken thighs are a simple and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With a crispy skin and juicy meat, this recipe uses easy-to-find spices that bring out the best in the chicken.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
4. Step 4: Rub olive oil all over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over each piece, coating thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
• Marinate the chicken thighs in the olive oil and spice mixture for a few hours or overnight to enhance the taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy skin, or microwave covered for a quicker option but skin may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?

The safest method is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.5 from 120 reviews

This recipe for Oven Baked Chicken Thighs delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin, seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, onion, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any day, these thighs bake to perfection in the oven and can be garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings (1 chicken thigh per serving) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Thighs

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings

• 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 Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs. This high heat will help achieve a crispy, golden skin.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during baking. Place them in a large bowl or on a baking sheet.
3. Season the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, then evenly sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Rub the oil and seasonings all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get under the skin if possible for maximum flavor.
4. Arrange for Baking: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Leave space between each thigh to allow even cooking.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken thighs before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to maximize skin crispiness.
• For extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.

Keywords: oven baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, smoked paprika chicken