chicken thighs in oven
Oven-baked chicken thighs are the perfect weeknight meal, offering crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, these chicken thighs come out tender on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside, making them a go-to dinner for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken Thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme or Rosemary optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures your chicken thighs get crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
Prepare the Chicken Thighs
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important to get that golden, crispy skin. If you skip this, the skin might not crisp up as well.
Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil. Then, sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary (if using) over the chicken. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor. You can also massage the seasoning into the skin to get that flavor deep inside.
Arrange the Chicken on a Baking Sheet
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, skin-side up. Make sure there’s some space between the thighs so the air can circulate and crisp up the skin.
Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
Rest the Chicken
- Once the chicken thighs are done, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays tender and juicy.