Description
Baked chicken thighs are tender, juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection with crispy skin, seasoned with a blend of spices for a savory and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or as a homemade dish that feeds a crowd. Easily paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each; substitute boneless, skinless thighs if needed)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Seasoning:
– ½ tsp paprika (or ¼ tsp each sweet paprika and smoked paprika; substitute chili powder or cayenne pepper if needed)
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste; reduce if using pre-seasoned blends)
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– ¼ tsp dried thyme leaves (substitute dried rosemary or basil if needed)
Optional Substitutions:
– Premade chicken seasoning blends like Hey Grill Hey Chicken Seasoning (adjust salt levels accordingly)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with the spice blend, ensuring even coverage. Rub the seasoning into the skin for maximum flavor.
- 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 (74°C).
- Turn the broiler on high and broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes to achieve extra crispy skin, if desired.
Notes
– Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier results. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving for too long to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~250
- Calories: 400mg
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg