Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs: A Foolproof Chicken Thigh Recipes Guide
Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs: The Ultimate Chicken Thigh Recipes
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When it comes to chicken thigh recipes, few can match the juicy tenderness and crispy skin of these oven-baked chicken thighs seasoned with a homemade spice rub.
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Servings: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Why These Chicken Thigh Recipes Shine
Picture this: your kitchen filled with the aroma of smoky paprika and garlic as the skin crisps to golden perfection. This recipe marries simplicity with flavor, making it an ideal family dinner or meal prep staple.
- Easy prep—just whisk, rub, and bake.
- Budget-friendly with pantry spices.
- Versatile—pair with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad.
Ingredients: The Secret to Great Chicken Thigh Recipes
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3–4 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Cooking spray
Instructions: How to Bake Tender, Crispy Chicken
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get extra crispy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme to form a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, ensuring every crevice is covered.
- Arrange the thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crisped and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
- Sodium: 178 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs
- For extra-crispy skin, finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack set over the baking sheet; this allows air circulation for even crisping.
- Customize the rub: swap thyme for oregano, or add a pinch of chili powder for heat.
- Use bone-in thighs to retain moisture; boneless will cook faster but can dry out more easily.
With these tips and this foolproof method, you’ll have a go-to favorite that everyone will request—the best in chicken thigh recipes.
Original recipe: Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs
Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs
Crispy chicken thighs are baked with a flavorful, homemade spice rub. The bone-in chicken thighs stay moist and juicy while the skin crisps up beautifully.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get extra crispy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme to form a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, ensuring every crevice is covered.
- Arrange the thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crisped and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon, if desired, and serve hot.
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