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Baked Chicken Thighs served in a white bowl, golden-brown with herb garnish, placed on a striped cloth over a marble countertop

Baked Chicken Thighs


  • Author: Leslie Bennett
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

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

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with the spice blend, ensuring even coverage. Rub the seasoning into the skin for maximum flavor.
  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 (74°C).
  5. 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