Baked Chicken Thighs are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make juicy, tender baked chicken thighs with crispy skin:
Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken ensures that the skin gets nice and crispy when baked.
- Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. You can also lift the skin slightly to rub some seasoning underneath for extra flavor.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the baking sheet with the seasoned chicken thighs in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken thighs for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips:
- Even Cooking: For even cooking, try to select chicken thighs of similar size.
- Side Dishes: Serve the baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Storage: Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
This recipe results in tender and flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners!
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