Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Thighs with Simple Seasoning Recipe
These Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. With simple seasoning and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a family-friendly dinner. Plus, these budget-friendly chicken thighs bake to golden-brown perfection in under 40 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Lemon wedges & fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Variations:
- Use boneless chicken thighs: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes instead
- Add a marinade: lemon juice, soy sauce, and honey
- Spicy kick: increase cayenne pepper or add chili flakes
- Herb infused: mix in fresh rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps crisp the skin while keeping the meat juicy.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin. Place the thighs in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up, making sure to space them out for proper air circulation and crisping.
- Bake Until Golden & Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry to remove excess moisture and achieve crispy skin.
- Use high oven heat (425°F/220°C) for optimal crispness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; spacing allows even cooking and crisping.
- Check internal temperature; 165°F (75°C) is safe, but 175-180°F (80-82°C) is ideal for tenderness.
- Broil briefly at the end for extra crispy skin, but monitor carefully to prevent burning.
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