Busy weeknights call for a delicious dinner that is both simple and satisfying. This easy baked chicken thighs recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and incredibly tender, juicy meat every single time. It’s designed for minimal prep and hands-off baking, making it a true weeknight hero. Get ready for a foolproof, family-friendly meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Flavorful: Simple pantry seasonings combine to create a rich, savory taste that everyone will adore.
- Effortless: Enjoy minimal active prep time and mostly hands-off baking, perfect for busy schedules.
- Economical: Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly protein choice, making this a smart meal solution.
- Tender & Juicy: Dark meat naturally stays moist, giving you incredibly succulent results without much effort.
- Crispy Skin: Discover the secret to achieving that coveted golden-brown, shatteringly crisp chicken skin.
- Versatile: This simple baked chicken pairs beautifully with almost any side dish you can imagine.
Ingredients
Gather these basic ingredients for your flavorful baked chicken thighs. This combination creates a perfect balance of savory notes that complement the rich chicken beautifully. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry for this fantastic easy baked chicken thighs recipe.
- 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, about 7-8 thighs
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this simple baked chicken recipe to fit your family’s preferences. If using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time as they cook much faster. Feel free to customize the seasoning variations with your favorite herbs and spices, like dried thyme or smoked paprika. Different oils such as avocado oil or a neutral vegetable oil work well too. Removing the skin is always optional if you prefer a leaner chicken thigh.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes this easy baked chicken thighs recipe even smoother. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few kitchen essentials.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Meat thermometer
- Kitchen shears (optional, for trimming)
- Paper towels
- Small mixing bowl
Instructions
Creating this easy baked chicken thighs recipe is straightforward and quick, perfect for any home cook. Follow these steps for tender, juicy chicken with deliciously crispy skin. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such fantastic results!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly spray it with nonstick spray. Set the prepared pan aside.
- Prepare Chicken Thighs: Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging. Use kitchen shears to trim off any excess skin if desired, which makes it easier. Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin. Arrange the dried chicken in a single layer inside the greased baking pan.
- Mix Seasoning Blend: To a small bowl, add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir these dry ingredients well to ensure they are thoroughly combined into your homemade seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the tops of the chicken thighs in the pan. Evenly sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix over all surfaces of the chicken. Use your hands to gently rub the oil and spices all over the fronts and backs of the thighs, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Cook until the thickest part of the chicken thighs reaches an internal temperature of 180-190°F on a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, understanding the safe minimum internal temperature for chicken is crucial for food safety. While chicken thighs are safe to eat at 165°F, cooking them to a slightly higher temperature (180-190°F) helps break down connective tissues, making them incredibly tender and juicy. For extra crispy skin, briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let the chicken thighs rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Carve and enjoy your perfectly cooked easy baked chicken thighs immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Thighs
The Secret: Cook your chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 180-190°F. While 165°F is safe, this higher temperature breaks down tough connective tissue, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
Pat your chicken vigorously dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing surface moisture is the absolute key to achieving wonderfully crispy skin. To further understand the science behind achieving wonderfully crispy chicken skin, exploring how moisture evaporation and fat rendering contribute to crispiness can be insightful. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish. Give each thigh some space for even air circulation and browning. Always use a reliable meat thermometer; it’s crucial for perfectly cooked chicken and food safety. Do not skip the resting time! Letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes redistributes juices, making the meat incredibly succulent. For the ultimate crispy skin, broil for a few minutes at the very end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This easy baked chicken thighs recipe is incredibly versatile, making it simple to pair with various sides or adapt its flavors.
Classic Pairings:
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes: A fantastic, comforting match.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are quick and healthy.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: A classic choice that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Gravy made from pan drippings: Elevate your meal by whisking up a simple gravy.
Flavor Twists:
- Lemon-Herb: Add fresh lemon zest and a sprig of rosemary to the seasoning blend.
- Spicy: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick.
- BBQ: Brush your baked chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage & Reheating:
Refrigerate any leftover easy baked chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the oven is best for maintaining crispiness. Place on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F until heated through.
Freezing Cooked Thighs:
If freezing, remove the meat from the bone first. Store the cooked meat flat in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
This easy baked chicken thighs recipe provides a satisfying meal with a good balance of protein and healthy fats. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (one thigh, based on 7-8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 536 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 41 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 227 mg |
| Sodium | 644 mg |
| Potassium | 495 mg |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.1 g |
| Vitamin A | 283 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.1 mg |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What temperature should I bake chicken thighs at?
Bake your chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a juicy interior and deliciously crispy skin.
What internal temperature is best for chicken thighs?
While 165°F (74°C) is safe, we recommend cooking your chicken thighs to 180-190°F (82-88°C) for maximum tenderness. The higher temperature helps break down connective tissues.
Should I bake chicken thighs covered or uncovered?
Always bake chicken thighs uncovered. This allows the skin to get wonderfully crispy and golden brown, which is a highlight of this easy baked chicken thighs recipe.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you certainly can! Just be sure to reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes, as they cook much faster without the bone and skin.
How long should I rest baked chicken thighs?
Rest your baked chicken thighs for at least 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist meat.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! This recipe for delicious baked chicken thighs can easily be doubled. Just use a larger baking pan or two separate pans to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
This easy baked chicken thighs recipe truly is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. You get incredibly flavorful, crispy-skinned, and perfectly juicy chicken with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. It’s a versatile dish that the whole family will love, making it an instant classic in your rotation. Make this simple baked chicken thigh recipe your go-to for stress-free, delicious meals. Enjoy your perfectly baked chicken!
Crispy and Juicy Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray.
- Remove chicken thighs, trim excess skin with kitchen shears if needed, then pat them very dry with paper towels and place in the prepared baking pan.
- Combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle and rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 180-190 degrees F. Broil briefly for crispier skin, then rest for 10 minutes before serving.