Description
This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs delivers juicy, tender chicken with irresistibly crispy skin. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, these chicken thighs are oven-baked to perfection at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The simple preparation involves trimming excess skin, patting the chicken dry, seasoning with olive oil and spices, and baking until the meat reaches an optimal internal temperature for tenderness. A quick broil at the end adds extra crispiness to the skin, making this dish perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3-4 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (7-8 thighs)
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13″ baking pan with nonstick spray and set it aside to get ready for the chicken.
- Trim and Dry Chicken Thighs: Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging. Using kitchen shears, trim off any excess skin if desired. Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin after baking. Place the thighs evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Make Seasoning Mix and Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning mix on top. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings evenly over both the front and back of each thigh.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the chicken thighs for 30-40 minutes. They are done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature between 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit. Although chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees, cooking to a higher temperature ensures the meat is more tender.
- Broil and Rest the Chicken: If you desire extra crispy skin, briefly broil the chicken thighs at the end of the cooking time. Then remove from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the seasoning mix to your preference or simply use salt and pepper for a deliciously straightforward flavor.
- You can make a gluten-free gravy using the pan drippings for an extra tasty accompaniment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American