Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs (Crispy & Juicy!)

Introduction

Craving tender, flavorful chicken that comes together effortlessly? Look no further! These Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs are your answer for a hassle-free, utterly delicious meal. With minimal prep, you will achieve incredibly crispy skin and unbelievably juicy meat every time. It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken and an ideal solution for busy weeknights, delivering big flavor without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

You will reach for this recipe again and again, and here is why:

• Achieve Ultimate Crispy Skin: Our simple technique guarantees a crackling, golden-brown skin that’s simply irresistible.
• Enjoy Incredibly Juicy, Tender Meat: Chicken thighs naturally stay moist, and our baking method locks in all that delicious juiciness.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: pantry staples combine to create a robust, savory seasoning blend everyone will love.
• Healthy Alternative to Fried Chicken: Get all the satisfying crispiness without deep-frying, making this a lighter meal option.
• Quick Prep for Busy Evenings: From start to finish, these Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs are ready in under an hour, perfect for a busy schedule.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite meal of Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs:

• 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

We recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture; the skin protects the meat and crisps beautifully. You can swap extra virgin olive oil for avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil. Feel free to customize the spice blend with your favorite herbs or a touch of chili powder. For boneless, skinless thighs, reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes, but know they won’t achieve the same crispy skin.

Equipment

Making these crispy, juicy chicken thighs requires just a few essential kitchen tools:

• A heavy-duty baking sheet
• A baking rack (oven-safe wire rack)
• An instant-read thermometer

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs:

1. Prep Oven & Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come closer to room temperature for even cooking.
2. Pat Chicken Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat each chicken thigh dry. This crucial step removes moisture, which is key for achieving truly crispy skin. Culinary experts emphasize that eliminating surface moisture is the most crucial step for achieving that coveted crackling, golden-brown skin. For more insights, explore these secrets to perfectly crispy chicken skin.
3. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir them well.
4. Season Chicken: Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil, then add about two-thirds of the mixed spice blend.
5. Coat Thoroughly: Use your hands to generously coat all sides of the chicken, ensuring the oil and spices adhere well. For maximum flavor, gently lift the skin and rub some seasoning directly onto the meat underneath.
6. Arrange on Rack: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking rack positioned on top of your baking sheet. Ensure there is space between each piece for proper air circulation.
7. Final Seasoning: Sprinkle the remaining spice mix evenly over the tops of the chicken thighs. Gently pat the seasoning to help it stick.
8. Bake Thighs: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (avoiding the bone) registers 170°F (77°C). To ensure chicken is cooked safely, the USDA provides clear guidelines on internal temperatures. Refer to the safe minimum internal temperature for poultry for more information.
9. Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy skin, turn on your oven’s broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning; the skin can brown very quickly.
10. Rest & Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite of these Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs is incredibly tender and moist.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Thighs

Achieving the perfect crispy, juicy chicken is simple with these expert tips:

• Pat Chicken Completely Dry: This is the most critical step for crispy skin. Moisture creates steam, which prevents browning and crisping.
• Use a Baking Rack: Elevating the chicken on a rack allows hot air to circulate all around the thighs, ensuring even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use an instant-read thermometer. Dark meat like chicken thighs is best cooked to 170-175°F (77-79°C) for optimal tenderness.
• Cook Thighs Slightly Higher: Dark meat benefits from a slightly higher internal temperature than white meat (like chicken breast) because it has more connective tissue that needs to break down.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Give your chicken pieces space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding traps moisture and prevents the skin from getting truly crispy.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

Make these Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs a versatile part of your meal rotation.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious chicken thighs pair wonderfully with many side dishes.

• Serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Complement their richness with green vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed spinach.
• Simple steamed broccoli or green beans make a fresh and healthy addition to your plate.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked thighs for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat and maintain crispiness, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Flavor Variations

You can easily adapt the flavor profile of these baked chicken thighs to your liking.

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice blend for a subtle kick of heat.
• Stir in some lemon zest or fresh chopped parsley to brighten the flavors right before serving.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, smoky BBQ rub, or a Mediterranean herb mix for diverse tastes.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying these Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs is a flavorful way to incorporate protein into your diet. Please note that this information is an estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I really need to use a rack? Yes, a baking rack is highly recommended! It allows air to circulate around the chicken, resulting in incredibly crispy skin on all sides. If you don’t have one, you can bake directly on a baking sheet, but flip the thighs halfway through cooking for better browning.
• Can I swap in different herbs and spices? Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to use your favorite herb and spice combinations, just ensure you use enough seasoning to fully coat the chicken for maximum flavor. Try a lemon-herb blend or a spicy southwest rub.
• How do I prevent dry chicken thighs? Chicken thighs are naturally very forgiving due to their higher fat content, making them less prone to drying out than breasts. Using an instant-read thermometer and cooking to 170-175°F ensures they are perfectly cooked and juicy every time.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate recipe for perfectly crispy, incredibly juicy, and truly flavorful Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs. This simple, beginner-friendly dish proves that weeknight meals can be both easy and exceptionally delicious. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the magic yourself. Share your culinary success in the comments below, or explore our other quick and easy dinner solutions!

Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs (Crispy & Juicy!)

A simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe for baked chicken thighs, resulting in perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat. This dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 38 minutes mins

Total Time 58 minutes mins

Servings: 8 portions

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 thighs Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil

Spice Blend

• 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Onion powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Small bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), bring chicken to room temperature, pat dry, and mix all herbs and spices in a small bowl.

Seasoning & Baking

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken with oil and two-thirds of the spice blend, coating thoroughly, including under the skin.
2. Arrange chicken on a rack over a baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining spice mix.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 170°F, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired, then rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken thighs thoroughly dry is crucial for achieving crispy skin. For maximum flavor, make sure to rub some of the spice blend under the chicken skin. Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and juicy result.