Oven Baked Chicken Thighs (Printer-friendly)
Juicy, crispy chicken thighs roasted with smoked paprika and herbs for a perfect golden finish every time.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
→ Spices & Seasoning
02 - 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
03 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
→ Fat
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Garnish
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
03 - In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme until evenly mixed.
04 - Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over all pieces. Toss or rub to coat each thigh thoroughly.
05 - Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even air circulation.
06 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden, juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
07 - For an extra-crispy skin finish, switch the oven to broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
08 - Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The skin gets so shatteringly crisp you will hear it crackle across the dining table.
- Seven pantry spices and a drizzle of olive oil are all it takes to make something that tastes like you spent hours.
02 -
- Crowding the pan is the single fastest way to end up with rubbery skin instead of the crackling crunch you are after.
- Letting the seasoned chicken rest in the fridge uncovered for a few hours before roasting transforms the texture dramatically.
03 -
- A meat thermometer is the difference between guessing and knowing, and it saves more chicken dinners than any other tool in the kitchen.
- Smoked paprika is the ingredient people always ask about, so keep a jar handy and expect compliments.