Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that effortlessly wins over any crowd, look no further than these Baked Chicken Thighs. Imagine golden, crackling skin wrapped around juicy, flavor-packed meat—this is the meal I turn to when I need something simple, yet absolutely satisfying. It’s the dish that makes your house smell like a cozy Sunday, with minimal prep and everyday ingredients you probably have already. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home cook, you’ll keep coming back for this reliable, delicious classic.

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates everyday staples, but each ingredient plays an irreplaceable part in building those crave-worthy layers of flavor and texture. You won’t need anything fancy—just the basics that turn ordinary chicken into a crispy, juicy masterpiece.

  • Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These stay incredibly moist during baking, and the skin crisps up beautifully for that irresistible texture.
  • Olive oil: A little drizzle helps the seasonings cling and encourages that golden, crackly skin we all love.
  • Garlic powder: Savory, aromatic, and mellow, it’s the backbone of flavor without overwhelming the chicken.
  • Paprika: This adds a gorgeous hint of color and a subtle warmth—use smoked paprika for even more depth if you like!
  • Onion powder: It’s a secret ingredient that deepens the flavor profile and rounds out every bite.
  • Salt: Essential for making all the other flavors pop while helping the chicken stay juicy.
  • Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of gentle heat and complexity.
  • Optional garnish – Fresh parsley or lemon wedges: These bring brightness and color to your finished plate.

How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Let’s start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This higher temperature is the not-so-secret trick for crisping up that chicken skin and locking in juiciness. While the oven heats, grab your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels—this step makes all the difference for irresistibly crispy skin!

Step 2: Season Generously

Rub each chicken thigh all over with olive oil, massaging it in to create a rich base for the spices. Mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this fragrant blend on all sides of the chicken thighs, making sure every nook and cranny gets some love.

Step 3: Arrange for Success

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nestle the chicken thighs into a baking dish, skin side up. Leaving a bit of space between each piece allows the heat to circulate, which means optimal crispiness and even browning.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a tempting golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F. If you crave extra crunch, broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes, but keep a close eye so the skin doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the Baked Chicken Thighs are done, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This short pause lets the juices redistribute, making sure every bite stays moist and delicious. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a splash of lemon juice right before serving.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A final scattering of chopped fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges elevates your Baked Chicken Thighs both visually and flavor-wise. The parsley brings freshness, while a squeeze of lemon makes every bite pop with brightness.

Side Dishes

These Baked Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with almost anything. Go classic with roasted potatoes or a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. Steamed green beans, fresh salads, or garlicky sautéed broccoli all soak up the pan juices in the most delicious way.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning family-style meal, serve the thighs on a large platter surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables. Or try tucking them into warm pitas with salad greens and a quick yogurt sauce for an easy spin on Mediterranean-inspired wraps. They’re just as good cold in a lunchtime salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Baked Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor often deepens as the spices marry with the chicken, making for fantastic lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, let your cooked chicken thighs cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For the crispiest skin, reheat Baked Chicken Thighs in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for quick, even results. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, though the skin will lose some of its crunch.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless thighs, but reduce the baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes, since they cook a little faster and won’t get the same crispy skin.

Do I need to marinate the chicken in advance?

While you don’t have to, marinating the chicken thighs with the seasoning and olive oil for a few hours will boost the flavor and tenderness even more. I love doing this when I have the time!

Why is it important to pat the chicken dry?

Getting the skin as dry as possible before baking is key for achieving that irresistibly crispy finish. Moisture creates steam, which keeps the skin from crisping up properly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest method is to use a digital meat thermometer: chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the skin turns a lovely deep golden brown.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover Baked Chicken Thighs are wildly versatile—chop them up for salads, shred into tacos, or tuck them into sandwiches for an easy next-day lunch.

Final Thoughts

I’m always amazed at just how much joy a simple tray of Baked Chicken Thighs brings to the table. Give this recipe a try whenever you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and homey—it’s sure to become a household staple in no time!

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Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously seasoned and baked to perfection, these crispy oven-baked chicken thighs are a simple and flavorful main course that the whole family will love.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season evenly on all sides with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy.
  4. Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and olive oil for up to 4 hours before baking.
  • If you prefer extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 440 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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