Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs (Printable version)
Juicy chicken thighs baked with crispy skin and fragrant herbs for a comforting main dish.
# List of ingredients:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Marinade & Seasoning
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
→ Aromatics (Optional)
09 - 1 lemon, sliced
10 - 2 cloves garlic, smashed
11 - 1 small onion, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F.
02 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. Add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.
04 - Place chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Arrange lemon slices, smashed garlic cloves, and onion slices around the chicken if using.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, spoon pan juices over the thighs.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This recipe makes juicy chicken with a crispy skin that feels like a well-kept secret between friends
- The blend of herbs and spices makes it flavorful without any fuss, turning simple ingredients into a favorite meal
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is the key trick to getting that irresistibly crispy skin you’ll crave
- Letting the chicken rest after baking lets the juices redistribute so each bite is perfectly moist
03 -
- Use skin-on, bone-in thighs for the best flavor and texture; breasts tend to dry out
- Adding the aromatics like lemon and garlic is the secret to that restaurant-quality depth of flavor