Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Crispy baked chicken thighs are a simple yet delicious dish that combines juicy meat with perfectly crispy skin. This easy recipe uses a few pantry staples for a flavorful meal that’s great for weeknights or weekend dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps well.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
3. Step 3: Rub the olive oil all over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of each piece.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate for extra crispiness.
5. Step 5: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is very dry before seasoning and use baking powder to help draw out moisture.
• Try swapping dried thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herbal flavor.
• If you prefer spicier chicken, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
• Using a wire rack is key for even cooking and crispiness—avoid placing chicken directly on the baking sheet.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help maintain crispness, or microwave covered for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can substitute boneless thighs but reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes as they cook faster. The skin won’t be as crispy without bone-in.

Why is baking powder included in the seasoning?

Baking powder helps break down proteins in the skin and draws out moisture, which leads to a crispier texture when baked.

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews

This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs offers a deliciously golden and crispy skin paired with juicy, tender meat. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of baking powder to enhance crispiness, these baked chicken thighs are an easy and flavorful way to prepare a classic comfort food that everyone loves.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy skin finish.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the skin crisp up better.
3. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
4. Coat the chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken, ensuring full coverage.
5. Arrange for baking: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to allow air circulation under the chicken for even crispiness.
6. Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Notes

• Using baking powder helps render fat and crisps up the skin without drying out the meat.
• Drying the chicken thoroughly before seasoning is a key step for crispy skin.
• You can switch dried thyme with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasoning and oil mixture for 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, baked chicken recipe, crispy chicken skin, easy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken