Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe: Effortless Family Favorite

Crispy, golden baked chicken thighs promise a mouthwatering meal that will make your dinner table shine.

Juicy meat beneath a perfectly seasoned exterior awaits your culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners just got a delightful upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Home cooks can master these tender, flavorful chicken thighs without breaking a sweat.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of herbs create magic in this foolproof preparation.

Ready to impress everyone at the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor?

Perfectly Baked Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

• Unlock Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of herbs and spices that transform ordinary chicken thighs into a taste sensation.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish with just a few simple steps and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with its crispy skin and juicy interior that pairs wonderfully with multiple side dishes.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein and infused with aromatic herbs, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs provide rich flavor and juicy meat for this easy baked dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic spices that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs and spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy skin and ensures even seasoning distribution.
• Lemon Slices: Adds brightness and a subtle citrus note to the chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish with a light herbal flavor.

How to Bake Chicken Thighs for Crispy and Juicy Results

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready for the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Grab paper towels and gently dry each chicken thigh, removing any excess moisture to help achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Create Flavor Blend

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.

Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly across all sides of the meat, massaging the seasonings into the surface.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Transfer the seasoned chicken thighs to a baking sheet.

Scatter fresh lemon slices around the chicken to infuse additional brightness and flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Roast for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and develops a beautifully golden, crispy skin.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Mix dried herbs and spices thoroughly to create a balanced flavor profile that penetrates every bite of the chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing both safety and juicy meat without overcooking.
• Arrange lemon slices around chicken to infuse subtle citrus notes and add brightness to the overall dish's flavor.
• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.

Tasty Variations for Baked Chicken Thighs

• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace the original spice mix with za'atar, dried oregano, and ground cumin for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Spicy Korean-Style Chicken: Swap the original seasoning with gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired dish.
• Low-Sodium Herb Option: Use fresh herbs like basil and sage instead of salt, and add lemon zest for brightness while reducing sodium content.
• Dairy-Free Keto Version: Keep the original recipe intact, ensuring no dairy ingredients are used, and focus on high-fat cooking techniques like using extra olive oil or adding butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Chicken Thighs

• Zesty Lemon Companion: Serve the chicken alongside roasted lemon slices from the baking sheet for an extra burst of citrusy brightness that complements the herb-infused meat.
• Family-Style Platter: Arrange the crispy chicken thighs on a large wooden board with scattered fresh parsley, creating an inviting centerpiece that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Pair with garlic roasted potatoes, quinoa salad, or steamed green vegetables to balance the rich, savory flavors of the herb-seasoned chicken thighs.
• Quick Meal Transformation: Slice leftover chicken and toss into salads, stuff into warm pita bread, or add to grain bowls for an easy next-day lunch option.

Storage Tips for Baked Chicken Thighs

• Seal leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly. Just adjust cooking time slightly, checking at 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

• Is it necessary to use all the listed spices?

No, you can simplify the spice blend. At minimum, use salt, pepper, and garlic powder for good flavor. The other spices enhance taste but aren’t mandatory.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white and juices should run clear.

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic Baked Chicken Thighs bring juicy, golden-brown perfection to your dinner table. Crispy skin and tender meat promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 400F (200C) for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Thoroughly eliminate excess moisture from chicken thighs using clean paper towels to ensure crisp skin development.
3. Craft a flavor-packed seasoning blend combining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary in a mixing vessel.
4. Massage olive oil across the entire surface of chicken thighs, creating a smooth foundation for the spice mixture.
5. Distribute the aromatic spice blend uniformly over the chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Arrange chicken thighs on a baking sheet, strategically positioning lemon slices around the protein to infuse subtle citrus notes.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165F (74C) and the skin transforms into a golden, crispy exterior.
8. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the finished chicken thighs moments before serving.

Notes

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring crispy skin and tender meat.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and skin crisp up beautifully during baking.
• Adjust cooking time based on thigh size; smaller thighs might need 25-30 minutes, while larger cuts could require 40-45 minutes.
• Create gluten-free and low-carb version by ensuring all spices are pure and free from anti-caking agents.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg