Hey y’all! If you crave juicy, tender chicken with irresistibly crispy skin, these Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe combines mouthwatering flavor with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, all straight from your oven—no frying necessary. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- The chicken thighs are incredibly juicy inside with a perfectly crispy golden-brown skin.
- It’s a fuss-free, one-pan recipe that requires just 10 minutes of prep time.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Bakes in under 40 minutes for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Easily customizable with your favorite spices or fresh herbs.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lb / 900g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels—removing moisture is key to developing super-crispy skin.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a large bowl, drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and rub over each piece. Mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and thyme, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the thighs. Use your hands to ensure every nook is seasoned.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Space them out so they aren’t touching. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 175°F (80°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
Notes for Perfect Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Dry thoroughly: Patting the chicken skin dry before seasoning boosts crispiness. See more on why this matters.
- Don’t overcrowd: Place thighs apart on the baking sheet to ensure air circulates and the skin crisps up nicely.
- For even more crunch: For extra crispy skin, broil for the final 2-3 minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Variations
- Spicy Option: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- Herb Lovers: Sprinkle fresh rosemary, parsley, or basil over the thighs before serving.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap paprika for five-spice powder and drizzle with a little sesame oil before baking.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs: Required Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Instant-read thermometer
Storing Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Store cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes for the best skin, or enjoy cold for meal prep. For more on chicken storage and food safety, visit USDA Poultry Basics.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard or BBQ.
- Excellent alongside rice pilaf or buttery corn on the cob for a wholesome dinner.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Let the thighs come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking for even cooking.
- Use a wire rack placed over the baking sheet for ultra airflow and next-level crispy skin (learn more at Bon Appétit).
- Season under the skin for an extra punch of flavor in every bite.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs FAQ
- Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead?
- You can, but the skin is what gets crispy—boneless, skinless thighs will be juicy but won’t have that signature crunch.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
- Use an instant-read thermometer; the safe internal temperature is 175°F (80°C) for dark meat.
- Can I freeze Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs?
- Absolutely! Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
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2Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels for extra crispy skin.
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3In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme.
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4Brush the chicken thighs all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend generously on both sides.
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5Arrange the chicken thighs, skin side up, on the wire rack. Bake for 35 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and serve hot.
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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