why make this recipe
Oven baked chicken thighs are a delicious and easy meal option that everyone will love. They are packed with flavor and the crispy skin makes them extra appealing. This recipe allows you to prepare a comforting dish without too much effort. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week!
how to make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
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
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano to create a seasoning blend.
- Lightly brush or drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs.
- Liberally sprinkle the seasoning blend over each thigh, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
how to serve Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Serve the chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides. They pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also slice them for use in wraps or sandwiches.
how to store Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
tips to make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry; this helps improve the crispiness of the skin.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours before baking.
- If you prefer the skin to be even crispier, you can broil them for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time, but watch closely to avoid burning.
variation
You can experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding lemon zest, cayenne pepper for heat, or even a BBQ sauce glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs, but they won’t be as crispy. Adjust the cooking time as needed since skinless thighs may cook faster.
What should I do if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can use regular paprika or omit it. If you want a bit of smokiness, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a small amount of liquid smoke.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should also be golden brown and crispy.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 pieces 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
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano to create a seasoning blend.
- Lightly brush or drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs.
- Liberally sprinkle the seasoning blend over each thigh, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
Cooking
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.