Crispy Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What You'll Need To Make It
- Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Crispy & Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!
- Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for proper comfort food? This Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is about to become your new best mate.
It’s simple, delicious and the skin? Oh my gosh, the skin is everything .
Brief Overview
Baking chicken thighs is a classic for a reason. It's been a family staple for generations, and I'm bringing that classic to you.
This Simple Chicken Thighs Recipe is a super easy dinner that takes only about an hour from start to finish.
This recipe serves 4 hungry people.
Main Benefits
The best part? Besides being ridiculously tasty, this Easy Oven Baked Chicken is packed with protein. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe truly special is how ridiculously easy it is. honestly, you can't mess it up!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I swear, I used to think Oven Baked Chicken Thighs were intimidating. You know? Like, only fancy chefs could get that crispy skin.
But trust me, this Easy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is foolproof. I've made it countless times, even when I’m knackered after a long day.
This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is so good and easy to cook. Think juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside. The taste is absolutely amazing
Plus, this isn’t just any old chicken. With the paprika and thyme, it's like a hug on a plate. Seriously, this Baked Chicken Thighs Weeknight Dinner is the business.
What You'll Need To Make It
- Four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil.
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (smoked if you're feeling fancy!)
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
You might have all of these spices in your pantry already. I promise it is worth to give it a try
Now that you know what you need, let's move on to actually making these perfect, Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs .
Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Alright, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, for this Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe , you don't need a ton of fancy stuff.
It's all about simple things done right. I can't wait for you to see how Easy Oven Baked Chicken this recipe is!
Main Ingredients - Keeping it Real
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6-8 oz each, that's 170-225g ).
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15ml ) - Extra virgin is best, but any kind will do.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ( 5ml ).
- 1 teaspoon paprika ( 5ml )- I like smoked paprika for extra oomph!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ( 2.5ml ).
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ( 2.5ml ).
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ( 1.25ml ), or to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25ml ), or to taste. Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice ( 15ml ) - for that extra zing!
For the chicken, look for thighs that are plump. The skin should look nice and taut. Avoid any that look discolored or have a weird smell.
This is Simple Chicken Thighs Recipe , using low quality thighs will still be good but not perfect.
Seasoning Notes - Flavor Bombs!
The garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper is a classic combo. Honestly? It just works . You can totally sub stuff in.
Chili powder instead of paprika is pretty amazing. Plus, you can make your own rub easily.
Equipment Needed - Keep it Simple
- Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet is perfect.
- Aluminum foil (optional): Makes cleanup a breeze! I am lazy, so I always line my baking sheet.
- Mixing bowl: Any old bowl will do for mixing your spices.
- Instant read thermometer: Seriously, get one of these. It's the only way to know your chicken is cooked to a safe 165° F ( 74° C) .
No fancy stuff here. If you don't have a baking sheet, a large frying pan works. No mixing bowl? Use a plate! As long as you can mix those spices and bake the chicken, you're golden.
You'll love how crispy this Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is!
Crispy & Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!
Forget boring chicken! Honestly, nobody wants dry, tasteless bird. This Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is a game changer. We are talking crispy skin and super juicy meat every time.
It's proper simple, ready in under an hour, and perfect for those manic weeknights. Think Sunday roast vibes, minus the drama.
Nan would be proud!
Prep Steps for Easy Oven Baked Chicken
Mise en place is your friend. Gather everything before you start. It saves a ton of time. Nobody wants to be hunting for garlic powder mid-bake. I have been there, believe me!
Essential Mise en Place
Get your 4 chicken thighs out. You will want about 6-8 oz each. Also, grab 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Lemon juice is optional! About 1 tablespoon.
Time Saving Tips
Line your baking sheet with foil. This will make cleanup a breeze. Nobody wants to scrub burnt chicken bits off a baking sheet after a long day. Trust me on this one.
Baking Like a Boss: step-by-step
Preheat: Blast your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line your baking sheet.
Dry Chicken: Pat those thighs dry with paper towels. Seriously, get them bone dry . It's the secret to crispy skin.
Make the Rub: Mix all the spices in a bowl with the olive oil. Add lemon juice, if you are feeling zesty.
Coat: Slather that spice mix all over the chicken. Make sure every bit is covered.
Arrange: Put the thighs skin side up on the sheet. Don't overcrowd them! They need room to breathe.
Bake: Bake for 35- 40 minutes . The internal temperature should be 165° F ( 74° C) . The skin should be golden brown and gorgeous.
Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5- 10 minutes before you tuck in. This is crucial for juicy chicken.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Thighs
Dry chicken= crispy skin . This is non-negotiable. Honestly, this is the first step to crispy baked chicken thighs recipe .
Don't pile them together on the baking sheet. They need space for air to circulate. No one likes soggy skin!
Always use a thermometer. Don't guess! Undercooked chicken is a no-no. Make sure it hits that 165° F ( 74° C) mark.
A good thermometer is your best mate in the kitchen. Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs are temp perfect, so use one!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Easy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe. Ace! But before you crank up the oven, let's chat about a few things.
These are just some tips and tricks I've picked up making this dish countless times. Honestly, sometimes I feel like I live on Oven Baked Chicken Thighs ! It's that good and it's so easy.
Serving Up Success: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, even on a weeknight! For a simple yet elegant plating, try slicing the Baked Chicken Thighs and fanning them out.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. Feeling fancy? A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it up a notch.
On the side, some roasted broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes make it a complete meal. A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc goes down nicely, too.
Stashing Your Leftovers: Storage Sorted
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop those Easy Oven Baked Chicken thighs into an airtight container and they'll happily chill in the fridge for up to three days .
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Wrap each thigh individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag.
They'll keep for up to two months . To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Mix It Up: Variations on a Theme
Want to spice things up with your Simple Chicken Thighs Recipe ? For a zesty twist, add the zest and juice of one lemon to the spice rub.
If you are feeling a bit dietary swap you can use Olive Oil instead of Butter. Talk about a flavour explosion! Need a gluten-free option? No problem! Just make sure your spices are gluten-free.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's be real, we all love a bit of info about what we're eating! Each serving of these Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs clocks in around 350-400 calories , packing a whopping 35-40g of protein .
Perfect for keeping you full and satisfied. Plus, chicken is a great source of essential nutrients.
Okay, you're armed with all the knowledge you need. Now go forth and create some Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe magic! Don't stress, have fun, and enjoy the process. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the skin crispy on this Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Crispy skin is all about removing moisture! First, pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before adding the rub. Second, make sure the thighs aren't overcrowded on the baking sheet; give them space so the hot air can circulate properly and crisp up the skin.
You can even broil them for the last few minutes of cooking for extra crispiness, but keep a close eye so they don't burn, alright?
Can I use different seasonings for the Easy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Easy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. Try a Cajun spice blend for some heat, Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist, or even a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
It's all about making it your own, innit?
What temperature should the chicken be cooked to, and how do I check?
To ensure the chicken is cooked safely, the internal temperature needs to reach 165°F (74°C). The best way to check is with an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
If you don't have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the thigh and check that the juices run clear.
How long can I store leftover baked chicken thighs?
Leftover baked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool them down completely before refrigerating. You can reheat them in the oven, microwave, or even enjoy them cold in salads or sandwiches. They're brill in a chicken salad!
Can I marinate the chicken thighs before baking?
Yes, marinating the chicken is a great way to add extra flavor and moisture. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Just remember to pat them dry before baking to help with that crispy skin!
Are there any substitutions I can make for the ingredients in this Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Definitely! If you're missing an ingredient, don't fret! You can substitute olive oil with melted butter or another cooking oil. Paprika can be substituted with chili powder for a smokier flavor. You can use other parts of the chicken but the cook time will change. Get creative and use what you have!
Crispy Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |