Baked Chicken Thighs

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These golden, herb-crusted baked chicken thighs deliver restaurant-quality flavor with hardly any effort.

With impossibly crispy skin giving way to tender, juicy meat underneath, this chicken recipe will make you question why you’d ever choose any other protein for dinner again. The secret lies in the rub, transforming humble chicken thighs into a meal that feels like a special occasion, even on a random Tuesday.

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These baked chicken thighs aren’t just a recipe—they’re your new dinner solution. Simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for entertaining, they strike the perfect balance between minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

The crispy, seasoned exterior locks in all those succulent juices while the bone-in cut ensures flavor that no boneless piece could ever match. Ready in under an hour with just a handful of pantry staples, this might just become the most requested meal in your home cooking rotation.

What You’ll Need to Cook

Chicken Thighs: Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and moisture retention. Look for pieces that are roughly the same size for even cooking. The skin should be intact and without tears to help trap moisture during the cooking process.

Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil to help the seasonings adhere to the chicken. The oil also promotes browning and helps create that crispy, golden skin. The fat in the oil helps carry the flavors of the herbs and spices into the meat.

Paprika: Sweet paprika provides a beautiful red color and mild, sweet pepper flavor. Smoked paprika can be substituted for a deeper, smokier profile. Always check the freshness of your paprika, as it loses potency after 6-8 months.

Dried Herbs: Choose herbs that haven’t been sitting in your cabinet for years. Quality dried herbs should still have a strong aroma when crushed between your fingers. If your herbs have little scent, they’ll provide little flavor to your dish.

Ingredient Substitutes

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless thighs (reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes), chicken legs, or chicken quarters
• Olive Oil: Avocado oil, melted butter, or ghee
• Paprika: Smoked paprika, sweet paprika, or Hungarian paprika depending on desired flavor profile
• Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic, granulated garlic, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (reduce other salt accordingly)
• Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs (use 3 times the amount of dried), Italian seasoning blend, herbes de Provence
• Store-Bought Rub: BBQ seasoning, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or Italian dressing mix

How to Bake Chicken Thighs

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture that would otherwise steam the chicken rather than allowing it to roast properly. Removing surface moisture also helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes that desirable crispy skin everyone loves.

Place the dried chicken thighs in a large bowl or on your baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, making sure to coat both sides. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while aiding in the browning process. It additionally helps conduct heat evenly across the surface of the skin.

Creating and Applying the Rub

In a small bowl, combine all your dry seasonings: paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork or whisk to ensure even distribution of all spices. Breaking up any clumps is important for consistent flavor throughout the dish.

Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over the oiled chicken thighs, using about 1-1½ teaspoons per thigh. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring you get some under the skin where possible.

This direct contact between the spices and the meat infuses flavor deeply rather than just seasoning the surface. Be sure to season both sides of the thighs, though you can put slightly more on the skin side.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature is key to achieving crispy skin while keeping the interior juicy. Position your oven rack in the middle position to ensure even heat distribution.

Allow your oven to fully preheat before adding the chicken – placing the thighs in a properly hot oven immediately begins the crisping process.

Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet with enough space between pieces to allow air circulation. Using a rimmed baking sheet or cast-iron skillet prevents drippings from causing smoke in your oven. You can line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup, though this isn’t necessary.

Finishing

Bake the chicken thighs for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. The skin should be crispy and golden brown, with clear juices running when pierced with a knife.

For extra-crispy skin, you can turn on the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning. Once finished, allow the chicken thighs to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moister chicken.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the chicken separately from any sides to prevent soggy skin. Before storing, allow the chicken to cool completely to room temperature.

To reheat chicken thighs while maintaining their crispy exterior, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this tends to create rubbery skin and dry out the meat. However, if you’re in a hurry, microwave at 70% power with a damp paper towel over the chicken to help retain moisture.

Leftover chicken thighs also make excellent additions to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls when served cold or at room temperature.

What To Serve With Baked Chicken Thighs

Complete your meal with these flavorful side dishes that pair perfectly with your spice-rubbed chicken thighs:

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

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