This simple and foolproof recipe for crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs is one you will want to add to your weekly dinner rotation.
About this Recipe
These bone-in chicken thighs are coated with a delicious mixture of seasonings and then baked in the oven until the chicken skin is crisp and the meat is perfectly juicy.
You can simply get the chicken in the oven and prepare the rest of your meal while they are baking. If you are looking for something that you can easily make with an impressive result, this recipe is going to be it!
Roasting chicken thighs in the oven means you are going to get juicy, tender and flavorful pieces of meat with nice crispy skin. Since this recipe is for skin-on and bone-in chicken, that means the meat is definitely going to be full of flavor! A weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy!
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, check out our: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken, Oven Baked Chicken Leg Quarters, Tuscan Chicken Thighs, Chicken and Vodka Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, or Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
The seasonings - Before the chicken thighs are popped in the oven, they are coated with a garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning mixture. This makes the chicken so flavorful and it’s definitely the best part!
It is simple - This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to get a delicious meal on the table easily and fairly quickly. These chicken thighs use simple ingredients, take just a couple of minutes to prepare and can be baked in the oven while you prepare the rest of your dinner.
The leftovers - If you happen to have any leftovers, these chicken thighs are just as delicious warmed up the next day. You could also remove the meat from the bones and add it to a salad, tacos or rice bowls!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this chicken thigh recipe:
- Chicken thighs: You will need about 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- Olive oil: Regular Olive Oil, not extra virgin olive oil. You can also use canola oil or vegetable oil.
- Salt & black pepper
- Seasonings: You will use garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning and paprika.
Directions
Let's make this baked chicken thighs recipe together!
Recipe Video
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Step 4: Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until they are golden brown and an internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make these juicy chicken thighs:
Use a thermometer - Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. To do this, insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness.
Complete the meal - These chicken thighs pair nicely with a variety of sides. Serve this with a green salad, a pasta salad, dinner rolls and/or any vegetable side you can think of!
Plan ahead - To make this an even easier recipe to make on a busy weeknight, prepare the seasoning mixture and coat the chicken in advance. Store in an airtight container until you are ready to bake them.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for these crispy baked chicken thighs. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Sheet pan - A high quality sheet pan will not only last, but it will improve your cooking! This one is commercial grade and super high quality.
Meat Thermometer - A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. This one is an instant thermometer that works great!
Large Bowl - I love these large glass bowls for a variety of uses in the kitchen.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for these tender chicken thighs.
Sheet pan - Instead of baking the chicken on a baking sheet, you could use a cast iron skillet or any ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
Seasonings - Feel free to play around with the seasonings you use. I recommend trying smoked paprika, dried herbs, lemon zest, or cayenne pepper.
Chicken - I recommend using bone in-skin on chicken thighs for best results in this recipe, but you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts if you prefer.
What To Serve With
Here are some delicious recipes to serve alongside these crispy chicken thighs:
Simple Pasta Salad - This pasta salad keeps it super simple. Chop up some veggies, add some seasoning, and toss with pasta. Serve it warm or cold.
Easy Zucchini Salad - This easy no-cook recipe comes together in just 10 minutes.
Simple Red Skin Mashed Potatoes - These Simple Red Skin Mashed potatoes are easy, delicious, and have only 5 ingredients!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Boneless thighs are going to cook faster, so you will have to adjust the cooking time. Using boneless, skin-on chicken thighs will ensure that they stay nice and juicy. If you are unable to find this kind of cut at the grocery store, you can remove the bones at home.
The best way to determine when chicken is done, is to use a thermometer. You need to make sure you are cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes. You can try out chicken breasts or leg quarters. Any cut of chicken with the skin on is going to be great! Just be sure you are adjusting the cooking time and paying attention to the internal temperature.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this simple chicken recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Easy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 package bone in skin on chicken thighs (6-8 chicken thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- Combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika in a large bowl. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly.
- Lay chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, until skin is crisp and the internal temperature is 165F.
Leeann Rock says
Easy and delicious - but used up the seasoning mixture on 4 thighs so would maybe make half again as much or double the seasoning for more thighs. A lot of fat cooked off so moved thighs to a rack over an oven-safe plate and kept warm while I finished the rest of dinner.
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks for making the recipe, Leeann! So happy you enjoyed!