Description

This baked chicken thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meat with perfectly crispy skin. Using simple spices like garlic powder, paprika, and thyme, the chicken is seasoned and roasted at a high temperature to lock in moisture while creating a delicious golden crust. Ideal for a comforting yet easy-to-make dinner, this dish offers a balanced blend of herbaceous and smoky notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasoning & Oil

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving a crispy skin on the chicken thighs.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the skin is key to ensuring it crisps up nicely in the oven.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat every part for maximum flavor infusion.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the sheet, spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
Roast the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat when served.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin.
Using bone-in, skin-on thighs provides more flavor and juiciness compared to boneless or skinless.
Broiling at the end helps achieve extra crispy skin but watch closely to prevent burning.
Resting the chicken after baking ensures the juices settle and the meat stays tender.
You can customize the spice mix to your preference by adding cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for deeper smokiness.