If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal, these crispy baked chicken thighs are perfect. With a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, they offer a satisfying bite that’s hard to resist. Ideal for busy weeknights or a casual dinner, this recipe brings flavor with minimal effort. Pair with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging, then pat them dry using paper towels to ensure they sear well in the oven.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Evenly sprinkle this spice mixture over the chicken.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, avoiding the need to move or turn them during cooking.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees before serving to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1640kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 108g | Fat: 124g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 664mg | Sodium: 2852mg | Potassium: 1496mg | Vitamin A: 1060IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 5.6mg
FAQ
- How long should chicken thighs be baked in the oven and at what temperature?
- Bake chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35-45 minutes. This duration and temperature will ensure that they come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- What is the best way to achieve crispy chicken thighs when cooking in a pan?
- To get a crispy exterior when cooking chicken thighs in a pan, it’s essential to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step removes excess moisture, allowing a better sear. Although the recipe primarily involves baking, this tip is crucial for achieving crispiness in any cooking method.
- Should I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or boneless, skinless ones?
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for the best results in this recipe, as they tend to yield a more flavorful and juicy outcome. However, boneless, skinless thighs can also be used, but they may require about 10 minutes less cooking time, so watch them closely.
- What kind of baking sheet should be used for this recipe?
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prepare these chicken thighs. This type of sheet prevents the flavorful natural juices from spilling into the oven, ensuring easier cleanup and better flavor retention.
- Are there any seasoning tips for making these baked chicken thighs?
- After patting the chicken thighs dry, coat them with olive oil and a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika for a deliciously seasoned crust. This combination enhances the overall taste and helps achieve that sought-after crispy texture.
Tips
- Ensure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning them. This step is crucial because it helps achieve a crispy sear in the oven by removing excess moisture from the chicken.
- Bake the chicken thighs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-45 minutes without moving or turning them. This method ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch the natural juices from the chicken, preventing them from dripping into the oven and making cleanup easier.
- While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for the best results, boneless, skinless thighs can also be used. Just be aware that they may cook about 10 minutes faster, so keep an eye on them.
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Meat thermometer (to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees)
