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Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs that are super easy to make, yet loaded with tons of flavor! If you love dark meat, then this recipe is for you! Perfect alongside mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potatoes au gratin.
Baked chicken recipes are like that staple piece in your wardrobe, you pull them out regularly and they are oh so familiar and comforting. My recipe today utilizes bone in skin on thigh that’s packed with flavor and moisture. Get prepared to kiss dry boring chicken good bye forever!
I want to make all of my wonderful readers lives easier and full of great flavor, learning great and simple recipes like these are a fantastic start. From cooking beginner to home cook everyone needs to have a few sure fire recipes in their utility belt. And this is one of them.
Baked Chicken Thighs
I find there are some people who are fervent chicken breast fans and some who swear that chicken thigh makes a more flavorful meal. While I think that either can be fantastic, as evidenced by my Baked Chicken Breast recipe, I do agree that there is a special place in my heart for the flavor you get from cooking with thighs. So if you’re a dark meat lover, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients In Baked Chicken Thighs
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Chicken – I recommend using bone in with skin like I did for this recipe, it’ll ensure your chicken ends up being moist and full of flavor.
- Olive oil – We want a nice neutral tasting olive oil to brown up our chicken in.
- Spices – Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Seasoning – Salt and pepper.
How To Bake Chicken Thighs
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Preheat the oven: To 425 F degrees and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the spices: Whisk the spices together in a small bowl.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towel. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub in with your hands to ensure they’re all evenly coated. Sprinkle the spices liberally over all sides of the chicken, ensure the thighs are skin side up before placing in the oven.
- Finish the dish: Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 35 – 40 minutes until the skin is crispy and the thigh is cooked through. The thighs are cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the thigh registers at 165 to 170 F (75 C).
How To Ensure Your Chicken Is Cooked Through
If you’re used to only really cooking with chicken breast just keep in mind that the color of the cooked meat will be different. Chicken breast cooks from pink to white whereas chicken thigh will cook darker, even a little pinkish even when done. So fear not if your thigh still has some color to it, as long as the internal temp is 165 F degrees you’re good to go!
What To Serve With Baked Chicken Thighs
I love serving my chicken with a simple side salad after a long day when I just want something nice and simple. But the best part is this recipe is perfect for as many dishes as it is with many accompaniments. Here are some other great suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
- Potatoes Au Gratin
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Creamy Polenta
- Potato Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots
- Greek Salad
Why This Recipe Works
- Minimal prep!
- Absolutely no marinating required!
- Chicken thigh is a nice affordable cut of meat!
- Juicy, tender, delicious chicken every time!
How To Brine Your Chicken
If you’ve got the time, brine your chicken for 2 to 4 hours in a solution made with water, salt and other things you may prefer like soy sauce or beer. Basic brine ratio is 1 tbsp salt to 1 cup of water. This will allow that seasoning to penetrate into the meat and result in juicier, more flavorful, and more tender meat.
Tips For Making The Best Chicken Thigh
- Be sure not to touch the bone with the thermometer when reading the internal temperature of the thigh.
- Save the pan drippings and use them to drizzle over the chicken for extra flavor!
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry first before seasoning because moisture causes steam so this will prevent your chicken from browning.
- Regardless of the calorie count of your dish don’t be afraid to add some fat in the way of oil or butter. As a result, our chicken won’t dry out at any point while baking.
How To Store Leftover Chicken Thighs
Fridge
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Freezer
Absolutely! Freeze this stored in airtight containers for up to 3 months! Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before heating back up in the oven, on the stove, or on the microwave.
Craving More Delicious Chicken? Try These Recipes
- Creamy Herb Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Chicken Parmesan
- Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
- Creamy Chicken Piccata
- Chicken Schnitzel
- Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Huli Huli Chicken
- Crispy Lemon Chicken Thighs
Baked Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in, with skin
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, for easy cleanup. Set aside.
- In a small bowl whisk together the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs then rub it in using your hands making sure the thighs are evenly coated in oil.
- Sprinkle the spices liberally over the chicken thighs on both sides. Make sure the chicken thighs are skin side up on the baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken in the preheat oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The thighs are cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the thigh registers at 165 to 170 F (75 C).
