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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy Perfection

Crispy, flavorful oven-baked chicken thighs seasoned with herbs and spices. A simple, satisfying meal for any night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little heat)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Oil & Season: Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides.
  5. Bake: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Broil (Optional): If the skin is not crispy enough, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Rest: Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve: Serve with your favorite sides and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken is very dry before seasoning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  • Don’t overcrowd the baking dish.
  • Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken thighs.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor.
  • Placing the chicken thighs on a wire rack inside the baking dish allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, resulting in even crispier skin.