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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
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Juicy, flavorful Oven Baked Chicken Thighs made with simple ingredients and easy steps to deliver tender meat with crispy skin. Perfect for a quick, delicious family dinner that balances savory and aromatic flavors, versatile for any occasion with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on, about 6 pieces (around 2 to 2.5 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the chicken skin and seal in the juices during cooking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy skin.
  3. Season Thoroughly: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in. Then, sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs evenly on both sides for full flavor coverage.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to catch drips and make cleanup easy.
  5. Bake Until Crispy and Cooked Through: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Skin should be golden and crisp.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

Notes

  • Dry skin for crispiness: Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve the crispiest skin possible.
  • Use a wire rack: Placing the chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet lets air circulate for even cooking and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Space the chicken thighs apart on the baking tray so the heat can crisp every piece evenly.
  • Check doneness with a thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and losing juiciness.
  • Rest before cutting: Let the thighs rest a few minutes to keep the juices locked inside.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, family dinner, gluten free chicken, baked chicken

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/oven-baked-chicken-thighs/