Baked Chicken Thighs
Crispy baked chicken thighs with juicy, tender meat and simple seasoning.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning Mix
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika sweet or smoked
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.75 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary or basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly using paper towels, focusing especially on the skin.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly. Rub the seasoning into the skin and slightly underneath if possible.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C), preferably closer to 175°F (80°C) for better tenderness.
- If needed, broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp the skin further. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, always dry the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning. Cooking slightly beyond 165°F improves tenderness for chicken thighs. Use evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 142mg
- Sodium: 112mg
- Potassium: 301mg
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.02g
- Vitamin A: 130 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.1mg
- Calcium: 18mg
- Iron: 1mg