Hey y’all! If you’re hunting for the juiciest, most flavorful, and downright irresistible chicken thigh recipe, you’re in the right place. These oven baked chicken thighs are crispy on the outside, impossibly tender on the inside, and packed with savory goodness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe guarantees big flavor and minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Super juicy and tender thanks to the perfect oven-baking method.
- Crispy, golden skin every time—no frying required!
- Minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile flavors that pair well with dozens of side dishes.
- Kid-friendly and great for meal prepping or leftovers.
Ingredients for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is key for crispy skin. Trim excess fat if needed.
2. Make and Apply the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then rub the seasoning blend all over, coating each thigh thoroughly.
3. Arrange and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (if you have one). Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on the rack.
4. Bake for Perfect Crispiness
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden and an instant-read thermometer registers 175°F (80°C) in the thickest part. For extra crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
5. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Notes for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin (learn why here).
- Use a wire rack to allow air circulation under the chicken for even cooking.
- For easy cleanup, line your pan with foil or parchment paper.
Variations for Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Honey Garlic: Mix 2 tbsp honey and 2 minced garlic cloves into the oil before coating the chicken.
- Lemon Herb: Add zest of 1 lemon and substitute dried rosemary for oregano.
- Spicy Cajun: Use a Cajun seasoning blend and add an extra dash of cayenne.
Equipment You’ll Need for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional, but recommended)
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze cooked thighs for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with the Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad.
- Try serving with fluffy rice pilaf or classic mac and cheese for pure comfort food vibes.
- Top with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking (see thermometer tips here).
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- For extra-crispy skin, broil the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end—but don’t walk away!
Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs: Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Absolutely! Reduce bake time to 25-30 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- How do I know when the chicken thighs are done?
- Use an instant-read thermometer; they’re done when the thickest part reaches 175°F (80°C).
- Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
- Yes, you can season and refrigerate the thighs for up to 24 hours before baking for even more flavor (more info).
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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2Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
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3Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
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4Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
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5Bake for 35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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