Introduction

Baked chicken thighs are a simple and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Crispy skin and juicy meat come together with a blend of aromatic seasonings. This recipe ensures a tender and delicious result every time.

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika (or ¼ teaspoon each sweet paprika and smoked paprika)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or dried rosemary or basil)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top.
Step 2: Dab the chicken skin dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
Step 3: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season generously with the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Rub the seasoning and oil evenly into the chicken skin.
Step 4: Place the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up, and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: If you want extra crispy skin, turn the broiler on high and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if available, for a brighter flavor.
Allow the cooked chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the meat tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster and can dry out. Bake until the internal temperature is 165°F, usually around 20-25 minutes.

Do I have to use a baking rack?

Using a rack helps air circulate around the chicken for crispier skin, but you can place the thighs directly on foil or a baking sheet if needed. Skin may be less crispy without a rack.

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 117 reviews

This recipe for Baked Chicken Thighs features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Baked at a high temperature and finished under the broiler, it delivers crispy skin and tender meat that’s perfect for a flavorful, easy dinner.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs

6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each)

Seasoning and Oil

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika (or ¼ teaspoon each sweet paprika and smoked paprika)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or dried rosemary or basil)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top to allow air circulation and even cooking of the chicken.
Prepare Chicken Skin: Pat the chicken thighs skin dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
Season Chicken: Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme leaves. Season the chicken generously with this spice blend, then rub the oil and seasoning well into the skin to coat evenly.
Bake: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared rack. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is fully cooked.
Broil for Crispiness: If the skin isn’t crispy enough after baking, turn the oven broiler on high and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
Patting the skin dry is essential for crispiness.
The combination of sweet and smoked paprika provides a deeper flavor profile.
Adjust herbs to your preference; rosemary or basil can be used instead of thyme.
Using a rack ensures even heat distribution and prevents soggy bottoms.

Keywords: baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, oven baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, paprika chicken, juicy chicken thighs