Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings out the rich, flavorful taste of the chicken while keeping the skin crispy and golden. Baking the thighs ensures they stay juicy on the inside while getting that satisfying crispy exterior. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 tsp chili powder for a bit of heat or 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help get that crispy skin.
2. Prepare the chicken thighs:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to getting crispy skin, as excess moisture will make the skin soggy.
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. If you’re using a wire rack, it helps air circulate around the chicken, making it crispier on all sides.
3. Season the chicken:
- Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the chicken thighs. Rub it into the skin and the meat underneath.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and any other optional spices or herbs you’re using.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure the skin is well-coated.
4. Bake the chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs. You want the skin to be golden and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- For even crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Rest the chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
6. Serve:
- Serve your crispy baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. They also go great with dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
Tips:
- For extra crispy skin: Make sure the chicken thighs are very dry before seasoning and baking. Also, avoid crowding the pan; giving the thighs space will help them crisp up better.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like Cajun seasoning, lemon zest, or fresh herbs.
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken thighs give you more flavor and tend to stay juicier. However, boneless thighs will cook faster.
These crispy baked chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a part of a larger meal. Enjoy!
Does this sound like what you had in mind? Let me know if you want to try a different seasoning combination!