why make this recipe
Oven baked chicken thighs are a favorite in many homes because they are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The crispy skin and juicy meat create a delightful meal for family dinners or special occasions. This dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum taste, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks. Plus, baking them in the oven means you can free up your stovetop for other dishes.
how to make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano to create a seasoning blend.
- Lightly brush or drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs.
- Liberally sprinkle the seasoning blend over each thigh, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
how to serve Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Serve these chicken thighs with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They pair well with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can even slice the chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps.
how to store Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers, store the chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy skin.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add chili powder for some heat or change the herbs according to your preference.
- For extra crispy skin, consider broiling the chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
variation
You can easily turn this recipe into a spicy version by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend. Additionally, try marinating the chicken thighs in your favorite sauce for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time, as they will cook faster than bone-in thighs.
2. What side dishes go well with baked chicken thighs?
Some great side dishes include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a light salad.
3. Can I freeze the cooked chicken thighs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Keep them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Choose thighs of similar size for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano to create a seasoning blend.
- Lightly brush or drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs.
- Liberally sprinkle the seasoning blend over each thigh, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
Cooking
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.