Description
Succulent “Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs” promise a golden-brown crust that seals in juicy, tender meat with minimal effort. Seasoned herb blend and high-heat roasting guarantee a restaurant-quality meal you can easily master at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds / 1.13 kilograms total)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Fat/Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to a high temperature of 425F (220C), ensuring a crisp exterior for the chicken. Arrange a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack to elevate the meat and promote even air circulation.
- Thoroughly blot the chicken thighs with paper towels to eliminate surface moisture, which is crucial for achieving a golden, crackling skin. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend combining aromatic spices like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Massage olive oil across the chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage. Generously coat the meat with the prepared spice mixture, pressing the seasonings into every crevice to maximize flavor absorption.
- Position the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared wire rack, maintaining space between pieces for optimal heat distribution. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the skin transforms into a deep golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
- For an extra layer of crispiness, activate the broiler and cook on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This final step will create an irresistibly crunchy exterior.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures tender, succulent meat. Plate alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy skin.
- Rack Technique: Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, creating an evenly crisp exterior that’s golden brown and delectable.
- Spice Flexibility: Adjust the spice blend to suit different dietary preferences or flavor profiles, such as using smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or reducing cayenne for less heat.
- Skin-On Advantage: Always choose chicken thighs with skin intact, as it provides natural fat and creates that coveted crispy texture when cooked correctly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 689 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 119 mg